Francisco 
Ferrer 



:1 Tragedy in 5 :>lcis 
JULIUS TIETZE. 



/ 



FRANCISCO FERRER 



:d Tragedy in 5 :icts 

by 

JULIUS TIETZE. 



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Dedicated to DANIEIv DsIvEON. 

N. Y. Dramatological Publishing Co. 

119 E, 88 St. New York 






CLD 30801 



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C)loqrapr)lc <^l?etc9 of ullus C^ietge 



JULIUS TIETZE, the second son of five children of Abel Tietze, his father, an optome- 
trist, and Yette Tietze, his mother, was born at Riga Russia in October 1880. \t the 
age of six, he was sent to Dr. Immerman's German School, where because of the stairs 
he had to climb and the corporal punishment there, his parents withdrew him, transferring him 
to Dr. Miller's Lutheran School on Alexander Street, Riga. Passing three classes there he 
entered St. Catherine's Academy on Romanoff Street, finishing four classes under 
Inspector Butursky. In 1890 his father fearing Russian pogroms and desiring to save his child- 
ren from military service emigrated to New York. Here Julius Tietze attended Grammar 
School No. 4, Principal DeMilt, and Grammar School No. 25. Principal Pettigrew, graduat- 
ing from the latter. Attempring but failing to pass twice the entrance examinations to City 
College, he was apprenticed to Edmund Heinecke, a German exile and nobleman, who kept 
a watchmaker's shop on lower Houston Street. This he dropped, because of maltreatment by 
one of the workmen. Thereafter young Tietze tried his hand at florists, bartending, peddling, 
bookkeeping, dry goods, window dressing, A D.T. messenger, confectioner, reporter, driver, 
painter, bookbinding, painting, butcher, prinring, baking, tinsmith, grocery clerk, but could not 
catch a fancy nor adopt any of them. Finally he resolved to become a dramatist According- 
ly he began the study of dramatic literature at the New York public libraries for seven years 
by day, supplementing his studies by attendance at the East Side Evening High School, Prin- 
cipal Hess, and at the Harlem Evening High School, Principal Nicholson, and at the City 
College Evening Division, President Dugan, entrance to the sixth class of which he now pass- 
ed with credit. In conjunction to this he passed the N. Y. and N. J, State Regents' examin- 
ations, covering a wide range of subjects counting toward the teacher's academic certificate, 
several of them with honor. Took up a course of law in the office of Lawyer Heymsfeld 



and was registei'cd by the Court of .\ppca!s, Compleled a course in Pharmacy at tlie N. Y. 
Pharmacy College, Dr. Chandler president, graduating in 1902. Engaged in the drug busi- 
ness in 1902, but due lo a competitor, who planted himself next doer to him, be left bis 
health in the competitive struggle, but succeeded in forcing the opponent, by the name of 
Manheim D. Wexler, out. "All moral victories are financial losses" is his view of that 
event. Clerked for a time, and was salesman till appointed by Governor Hughes a N jtary 
1909-1911, Conducted on East 9Ist Street, N. Y. a College Prep. School, but the Regents' 
inspector would not issue a charter so it could not be continued. Competed for a Cornell 
State Scholarship, but failed by II points. Attended over 500 University Extension Local 
Centre Lectures given by Columbia University, Conducted an agency under Mr. Wray for 
the International Correspondence Schools, Was Equitable sub- agent for a time, under Mr. 
McEllicott, Studied and completed a course at Taylor Bros, Moving Picture School on 
West 28th Street, was registered as apprentice by the Department of Water Supply, Gas and 
Electric, under Hubert S. Wyncoop, serving as rewinder and assistant moving picture opera- 
tor under Charles Siler, operator at the New 3rd Avenue Moving Picture Theatre, under 
management of Messrs. Harawich & Reece. Studied dramatic art at the N. Y, School of 
Acting under John Waldron at the Broadway Theatre, and under Fisher of the Irving Place 
Theatre at the Labor Temple Dramatic Society. Assisted in 1911 in the production of 
Ibsen's "Volksfeind" given by the Dramatic association last named. Translated into English 
Lessing's "Emilia Galotti" and Suderman's "Heimath" for Bertha Kalith. Married in 1910 
Miss Rose Korman and has one child. His literary contributions consist of "Poe's Cottage" 
and "Old Hoss Hoey" twro poems published by the Evening N. Y. World. A poem "To 
Hummel" published by the Evening N. Y. Globe, pronounced Julius Tietze a writer possess- 
ing dramatic fire and anticipating a bright career. A play "Agree with Nature" was rejected 
by A. Daly. A play "Behind the Scenes" was rejected by Alice Kauser. A competitor 
or the Sunday N. Y. World prize play, he received honorable mention for a play "Goldie 
Pride" which was submitted under the non-de-plume "Quaddratic." A tragedy "Robert 
Emmet" in blank verse was rejected by B. Tynan, who had already had a version of his own. 
The N. Y. Dramatological Publishing Co. has collected all of Mr. Julius Tietze's dramas and 
beginning with "Francisco Ferrer" will issue them as fast as they are revised for publication. 



FRANCISCO FERRER. 

A Tragedy in 5 Acts, 
by Julius Tietze. 

DRAMATIC CHARACTERS. 

Governor Campo, of Barcelona. 

Nunez, university trustee and Master Mason. 

Professor Pareil. ) ^r Lisbon University. 

Director El Vasa S 

Francisco Ferrer, a professor of pedagogy. 

Galceran, a counsellor. 

Dr. Cisner. 

ZORILLA, a socialist and follower of Ferrer. 

QUADKAQUEZ, Grand Masonic secretary. 

INQUISITOR GUZMAN,) ^f the Inquisition Office. 
Fiscal Ugarte, ) 

ViLLAFRANCA, Ferrer s wife. 
Cappadoge, Ferrer s sister. 

A Guard, a Gendarme, a Soldier, a Student, 
a Chaplain. 

Scene :— Portugal 1900-1910. Four acts in 
Lisbon, the fifth act in Barcelona. 



ACT THE FIRST . 

LISBON. 

SCEj»T£_ j-^^ Qj^i(-g of Lisbon University, Lecture bell ringing at 
rise of curtain. Enter El Vasa from the faculty s room 
meeting and greeting Pareil and Nunez coming out of 
the trustees room. After an exchange of pleasantries 
they confer. 

El Vasa. On hand and timely senors. I expected 
Professor Pareil and Trustee Nunez 
Your coming to the office, so that we 
Meet aud take action in the Ferrer matter. 
What has the pedagogic faculty 
Decided then to do ? 

Pareil. Condemned they hold 

Professor Ferrer. He who disrespects 
The institution that affords him bread 
An object of contempt himself arraigns 
Distrusted, disesteemed by those he earns it from. 
Removal of the offender is the final 
Opinion of the college, governed by which 
The faculty through Trustee Nunez as 
Committee of one, announces, Francisco Ferrer's 
Discharge is ordered. 

Nunez. Dean El Vasa, I 

Officially announce the disconnection 
Of Ferrer as professor in the school. 
Sufficient scandal and sufficient controversy ! 
The damping of the socialist embers are 
By his expulsion hourly awaited. 
We will not brook a home for malcontents. 
You will in manner modest, information 
Convey to him thereof, — explain it was 
A breach of ethic duty to enthuse 
Students with socialist dogma, in the course 
Of economic lectures by him given 



Which on the founders a reflection cast. 

Then notify him that the faculty 

At their last quarterly meeting voted for 

Vacating of his chair. Unanimously 

By virtue of equated views, — it was — 

To discredit the social laws and property 

Endowment and philanthropy, with stigma 

Style and entitle, for professorate 

Revolting, such one is — declared. From hands 

Of traducer mean, inipertinent detractor 

Communist, academist Socialist, 

One who classhatred lends encouregement, 

As, from the gummy cartilaginous 

Foundation, is the festering molar yanked — 

His teacher's post out of him be extracted. 

This let him know. For ingrate anarchists 

No room this college has 

El Vasa. Glad am I, this 

To be receiver of. Yet to transmit 
Before his person the expulsion notice 
Aversion entertain and rather would 
Professor Pareil substitute me there. 
A recent wedge between us having split 
Our sympathies aside, divided us. 

Pareil & Nunez. May we know what ? 

El Vasa. It is a subject which 

My modesty forbearance cultivating 
Behind drawn blinds and doors latched on the 
Discussion merits. As a man unmarried [interior 
Quite recent at a students' ball was I 
Attention chief. There danced I with the wife 
Of Ferrer's, — Villafranca, — naught unethical 
To dance with wives of other men. The ball 
Being over, at an early dawn, escort 
Her to her home did I, requested, through 
The streets of Lisbon, when upon a sudden 
Ferrer unseen, behind me, made appearance 
With threat and accusation that I was 
Enamored of his wife, insinuating 
I her alienating was, for which 
In the heat of mood, apology demanded, 

8 



I this declining point blank. Soon a scene 
Resulted, that remembrance of it, his 
Mention to me abomination fosters. 
I will admit that I admire do 
His wife, a born beauty, as a friend. 
But not enough of charm, and of spell 
Has she my bitterness for him to lessen. 
I vow I am enamored of her, but 
Alienate her — not my policy. 
Still were the funeral of Ferrer possible 
My marriage to her no surprise would be. 
Distance between myself and Ferrer shall 
Hereafter be a matter of my health. 
Lest the dismissing him occasion will 
A personal encounter, which to prevent 
Essentially would I in the true sense. — 
Therefore I ask of you, Professor Pareil 
Assume the deanship pro tem, and in lieu 
Of me, discharge the incumbent. 

Pareil. As you wish. 

[ They exchange seatsi\ 
We'll exercise for your sake, arbiter. 

Nunez. No doubt you're fond of her or escort else 
Were you not, of her. 

El Vasa. To be frank senors 

I mi^ht as well confess, as not, but truth 
Concealment knows not. In me an instinct rages 
Ancient as Hedron, as ungovernable 
For Ferrer's wife, and an attachment secret. 
I knew not woman till her face I saw. 
Her fairness of her for form and her figure 
Her bearing, charm, prisoner has made me. 
A cripple, helpless am I m her presence 
And in her absence rapid flow my tears. 
Because my lot my heart is breaking, for 
I am in love with her, who is the wife 
Of Professor Ferrer and to him is married. 

Pareil. Surprising ! 

Nunez. Further. — 

El Vasa. This sudden spread of sail 

This shipping hence of Ferrer rouses in me 



Pareil. 



Nunez. 



Pareil. 



El Vasa. 



A burning passion in my bosom slumbering, 

I own, it may be it's a weakness, but 

No man is fugitive from woman's clutch; 

Contemptuous — censurous as may appear 

My mining for a mate, the option on 

The wife of another man — is vlndicable, 

If I may be so bold, — be my own critic, — 

On the empiric notion that a wife 

Mishusbanded, a fitting vessel for 

An unwifed fellow is, and there's my method 

Albeit in countercurrent to conventions 

Of coupling and of cupiding is — 'tis waived 

By the sobriety of my years advancing. 

Need, that no rule nor style will fawn unto. 

I know she is mismatched, she has mismarried 

With Ferrer, her ideal would I bend 

My efforts all, to prove. For this dismissal 

Breadless will render him and she supportless, 

For women are by money more than love 

Detained in bondage — will adventure for 

Divorce, no doubt, a chilliness between them 

Flares up which might a warmth for me enkmdle. 

As frosted ears though cold like fire singe 

On Villafranca's part— and then, —but 1 

Arabian nights am dreaming. 

Why in no way 
A dream this might be, though a dream perhaps 
The telling sounds 

Eccentric I to besiege 
A married woman for her heart, when stocked 
The unmarried market is, or the bereaved. 
And complication, risks this might entail ! 
Advise you do I to consider well 
The road you travel, view the destination. 
Dreamy realities no real dreams are. 
Enough, your office you're contingent in 
Evens the insult of that ball and night. 
But to revert back to where we left off, you 
Informed us that Ferrer anticipatmg 
Expulsion — 

Mailed his resignation. 



10 



Pareil [suddenly r^s^ng^^ What ? 

Has he come to his tether's end ? he has ? 
All female intricacies to one side ! 
What will he pepper in our eyes strow, blind us 
By resignation and that way defeat 
Expulsion, here designed— emphatic no ! 
See else the havoc. What misconduct Ferrer 
Example showed ! A teacher to acclaim 
Antagonism to the social state 
Arraign the weathly classes foi the suffering 
Of the enpaupered, champion the cause 
Of labor strikes and riots, to revolt 
Excite the ribald gangster and the ringster 
That spite and harry and defy the funccion 
Of law and order, — the poseur assume 
Of socialist and even anarchist ! 
Is he a socialist, why does he then 
In magazine and newspaper, at lecture 
The principles of anarchy endorse ? 
Is he an anarchist why does he then 
To students lecture theories of socialists ? 
Civilian rude, the gentlemen in the villian, 
A Machiavellian policy is his 
Enamelled over with a Bismarckism. 
System seems Greek to him, a wildcat has 
Domestication in excess of Ferrer. 
Amphibian, birolary bis actions 
They blister underneath confusion's foot. 
A teacher, — teach the poor to howl, when poverty 
To wealth's a portico, represses vain 
Indulgences harsh, which but for lack of means 
Curbed are and kept in the rear. The lack of bread 
As well as barns of it, to character 
Grooves for the chisel gave. Order is to the state 
What vision is to the eyes. Law has by virtue 
Of its inherent might saved from the wreck 
Of madmen and of murderers society. 
But Ferrer would society overturn, 
The bomb his argument the bullet law. 
Did he not sanction the Anti-Morrocan riots 
Valencia coal-strike, Barcelona lock-out } 

II 



At public meeting Ferrer is the chairman 
The topic sole on Portuguese boulevards. 
Bear this who will ? The man has lost the c«e 
Of his social status ! At meetings of protest 
Ferrer is heard and seen and lecturing on 
Views anti-christian, the confiscation 
Of private capital for public use 
The store to be a state's distributory 
The laborer producer, altogether 
Producer and consumer, — advocates. 
No army, navy, money or police ! — 
His resignation ! 
Nunez, Be composed Professor. 

Why aggravation show ? After he'll be 
Expelled, the olive branch again for peace. 
Pareil you will reject his resignation 
Expulsion is our wish, his due. Professors 
Merely as eavesdroppers to public questions 
Of economic nature, may themselves 
Involve at libitum but not participants. 
It would be flattering to permit professors 
To drill our salaried debaters, when 
Their duty by the student's side is. Not thus 
The policy of universities 
That neutral should in public problems act. 
The people pay enough their statesmen and 
Their legislators to take care of them. 
Henry the 8th, from Cambridge University 
Opinions wished regards his wife's divorce — 
But this is Portugul. Besides it is 
A practice deleterious and exposes 
To public odium or eclat or both 
If universitarians turn publicists. 
The dignity and quiet of the college 
Thereby disturbed becomes, distraction suffering. 
What kmd of influence, can those who graduate 
Imbibe and later practice, when their teacher 
Resort to violence in social disputes 
His parting word to them i«, what such influence 
As leaves the threshold, the young student, enters 
Upon the serious duties of his life ? 

12 



No war office a university should be. 

A university for study is. 

Reflection, but not public disputation. 

El Vasa. True every way. The petty snubbing, nagging, 
Vexing, exactings, artificial 
Reserve, contempt, what not, which to a spirit 
Researching and critical, the headway plugs. 
Is no excuse, a firebrand to be 
And those who singe us, — them incinerate ! 
Many the remarks of those above us, hurt 
Our feelings sensitive, many the impulse 
That stir us to protest against oppression 
In officialism, but regards — at least 
For what we have, priority, maintainance 
Devolving on us, precedence, consideration, 
In preference to ambiguities of the "after," 
Should cherish in us preference for tolerance 
Than hypothetic promises in embryo. 

Nunez. Nor shall he 'gainst the law coin logic. Men 
Admit that law is a necessity. 
Bakuninites may cherish in their reveries 
Ideals and themselves deluded, vamly 
Perfection legal seek, but while men differ 
The weak distress the strong, the strong the weak, 
The law for umpire. God above and church 
The solar, lunar or terrestial laws 
The oceanic and the law of tempests, 
Schools, systems, science, art, electrics, technics, 
Mechanics, chemics, — law a vivid light ! 
No abolition there of law can ever 
A possibility be. As well ignore 
As well conform — why then governments ? 
Law but a form of conduct is. Dissent 
From Ferrer on the subject, never can 
Us compromise. There must be inequality, 
High, low, cold warm, all none, rich and poor. 
Ne'er were there cleanliness, were there no dirt. 
Doctors how thrive were there no sick, and lawyers 
Whence clients find, if differences were not. 
And to go nearer somewhat in a simile — 
Will Ferrer as a teacher make a living 

13 



If ignorant his pupils would not be ? 
The very girders, beam^ and trusses, keel 
Of commerce, is a lack of the supply 
And bounty thereof. 

El Vasa. And why will not Ferrer 

The virtue, power, profit recognize 
Of poverty ? For as we do emerge 
On life's long variegated pathway, views, 
Indulgences, excesses, recklessness, 
TemptatioBs, vitiations, that tease us sore 
Halted by poverty -are. And this refines us. 
That else the straight man to a rake would forge, 
Restraming passions and adventures, which 
The prodigal spendthrift and the profligate 
Headlong would pitch in, only soon to float 
A carcass in the maelsti'om. Want of things 
That make for comforts and necessities 
A strife for them occasion, which if wealth 
Ready produce, the strife a truce becomes. 
Strife hardens us to battle with the world 
That tries and baffles us. What kind of life 
Is life, where poverty not is. At birth 
We're born naked, rich are when we're dead. 
For then the corpse a suit has, — heinous irony ! 
And life reviewing, what we sec is but 
Our poverties. As children poor in mind, 
As youth's in body, poor in strength as dotards 
And eyesight— seeing poorly our poverty. 
Men this observing not discouraged seem, 
But lock with pride the ladder down they climbed. 
At the pinnacle of fame, they see below 
Themselves with no regret they once were poor. 

Pareil, The same with wealthy folks. I know myself 
Many a youngster reared in millions, start 
A course in chateaux but end it in the poorhouse. 
What wants the mouth, the heart possess it .^-wrong ! 
Riches betray the stimuli for labor. 
And this effeminates, and riches likewise 
Pervert the principle of abnegation. 
Wealth is the curse of some. Had these no bread 
The value of their bounty feel would they. 

14 



But as it is, with freedom of the wind 

They plunge in speculation fabulous — 

Their way through lawless dealing eel-like slip — 

And with th ,ir silver clink smother the cries 

Of mjured innocent, of orgies misspent, 

Use money where the brain an item is. 

But this implies not, wealth is useless, or 

Should be made common property, nor should 

The elements of poverty abolished 

By socialistic government become. 

By far not so. According to Ferrer 

The chimneysweep is on the level with 

The status of the architect or chemist. 

The scavenger and teacher are alike. 

Astronomer and bricklayer the same, 

And vain the scearch the difference to catch 

la peddler and in civil engineer. 

Nunez. And are the socialists then justified 
To advocate the death of poverty ? 
Poor are we when we're young in words, in knowledge 
Still poorer in possession, when experience 
First coming later — we are sufferers. 
The greatest men, the richest men have had 
Commencement poor to battle with in life 
When first the sun upon their features shone 
And were the better for it every way. 
What if with golden spoons we born were ? 
Not in the grave decending can we take it. 
Be poor but upright, riches are not all. 

El Vasa. The climax reached — the curtain drops. Thus you 
The racking taxing office of dismissal 
As closes Ferrer's saddening scene with us 
Left to administer, — are. And who but Ferrer 
Solely is culpable ? To blame the trustees 
Who. so incensed at this his seige upon 
Rights of established statutes, penal-coded, 
Espousing and projecting the collapse 
Of Manuel de Braganza, and upon 
The debris there encaisson Labor's towers, 
Must not our baton be. For inasmuch 
The students prosperous or straightened 

15 



His lectures once imbibed, attention- struck. 
These to their parents ferrying, alarmed them 
To this extent. The university 
The Mecca then of letters of complaints 
Became, from parents. "A malfeasant ! to 
Enact the Gracchi — irritate the classes — 
Derrick this agitator, — else our sons 
Discollege we" — so ran their tenor. Again 
Doxoligies not fiom the indigent 
Rained on desk, either. "Give us our mink valets 
■ And ermine, caracul, we with the mansioned 
Are equisocial" — the one refrain. 

Fareil. Precisely. Chief of which the Ferrer lectures 
On socialism made this possible. 
Where postulate on postulate he pyramids 
The panacea for all social ills. 
Which same the faculty — body to amazement 
S« throws he, that a schism follows, each 
A partizan becoming, — malt is sprouted. 
List to a lecture his. "Society 
Of Portugal to-day divided is 
In classes three; the propertied, one, — 
The bourgeois the second, and the third 
The proletaire, that ant-like scrape for grub 
The nose in the cold — " a Portuguese Marx 1 
So, in respect of donors, who the girders 
Of the university are, intact to keep. 
Our treasury's defence, this socioclast 
The trustees— and I credit them — protest 
From parents of fair means, the incentive — 
Hoist out of here Ferrer. Fast-collared was he. 
This guest unhosted, pack must he. I have 
In person begged Ferrer to chalk the panes, 
But principle for Ferrer. 

El Vasa. Nor can trustees 

A theory unpracticed, problematic. 
Endorsement grant, as item in a course 
Allow, a mooted topic. All a school 
Can teach — is, what is now, not might be, howso— 
Uncomplimentary the policy 
The social difference raised, effecting detriment 

16 



The trustees for the menaced breach, apply 
Hovvbeit humiliating to Ferrer 
As offset to disunion midst matriculants 
Discharge, and rapidly. So, you Pareil 
Follow the report Nunez delivered to me — 
And out of courtesy to me replace me 
In the capacity as dean, that way 
Officially intorm Professor Ferrer 
Of his expulison. 

{Enter Student ?\ 

Pareil. Pray what is it please ? 

There is a history about thy looks — 

Student. Professor Ferrer sent me has, to find 
If the appomtment and the interview 
Congenial be to have this afternoon. 

Nunez. He sniffs the dessert ahead of the menu. 

Ya. vasa. Ever the rat my friend, the ferret ever. 

Pareil. \ to student. Yes momentarily, announce the lecturer 
Reception for him. 

Nunez, \rising with El Fasa.'] Our leave Professor 
Excuse us for withdrawing. El Vasa for 
The Villafranca reason, 1.— because 
Of reasons brother- mason; — sorry we're 
Beyond formality of an expression 
At this disintigration that our colleague 
Associate Professor Ferrer, the vortex 
Of igneous dissention has become, demerits 
Himself bequeathing, is exempt. As masons — 
We would not with our presence play the microscope 
Of a matter in italic, nor embarras 
The snag he fell in, which oviate we can 
By absence.— unbecoming this would be 
To us who share his plight not. Still his credit 
Though barriers loom between us, our true wishes 
And approbation, for his principle 
Insight and acumen, truth sociologic 
Mind analytic, tell him this for us — 
Bidding success, in our name. 

Parkil. Depend. \Exeunt El Vasa &^ Nunez, \ 

{Re enter Student.] 

Student. Professor Ferrer doth ad\ance through me 

17 



The notice that an interview he'll hold. 
[^Enter Professor Francisco Ferrer. 

The student greets hint, afid to him Ferrer 
hands a letter and whispers an order, which 
the student repeats as he whispers it.'\ 

{repeating after Ferrer'] 

Order — the seniors — to as«;emble— first-- 

Because of — the detainment — late — you'll lecture — 

This letter — to Senora Villafranca — 

Your wife— deliver — bring reply?— alright ! {Exit ] 

Pareil. Professor Ferrer, with reluctance I 
. Obedient to the office I control 
Officiating as sub-dean, induced 
To interview you, am; and trust the summons 
Not disagreeable proves. 

Ferrer. Not in the least. 

Pareil. I hope so too But lest through terms uncalled — for 
This meeting in polemics steep us not — 
I trust I do not blame or score unduly 
Respecting — have the kindness — take a seat — 

Ferrer. Thanks and excuse my preference standing, during 
Issues of note. --I've ever standing battled, 
I shall decline this courtesy, — habits play 
Martyr with us, despite formalities 
Affording there no option. May I have 
The honor of the information where 
The director may be seen ? 

Pareil. For motives felt 

By the director, under impression hostile 
Vacated he the desk and me capacitated 
With deanship in the interim. 

Ferrer. Very considerate. 

Pareil, Professor, we shall waive all matters which 
Impersonal are, nor in discussion plunge 
Touching your pedagogic theories, the instructing 
Of social science, economics of 

Society, to the young — not there indulge — instead, — 
The one involving us, preferring. Summarizing — 
Professor I presumption take, we do 
The situation apprehend, as far 
As tangent it to us, is. The situation 
As it exists, I emphasize exists — 
Because existing, has so for some time — 

18 



They whisk not by these situations, like 
Brushbristies o'er our clothes. Than what once dread 
Authority assumes — 

Ferrer. I understood 

The situation past. 

Pareil. Deftly disposed of 

By you it may be. but not so by us 
Nor as subversely, indicating spite 
And -rt in the evasion. I, possess 
Displeasing notice from the faculty 
Anent the socialist lectures since deUvtred 
By you — the subject taking us to midsea. 

Ferrer. Ply sound the oar, I capsize not. The lake 
If snug, the ocean gives expansion. Europe 
By far a vaster university 
Than Lisbon is and has. The public fur 
My critic, from the platform pei chance 
Not college, but from truck and stoop and stairs 
Gospel I will for socialism. Doomed 
That school is, that a choke-coil in the throat 
Of the researcher introduces — dead 
To economic wjrld-study ! Pareil — 
I have been target for denunciation — 
I will admit I satirized the trustees, 
impugned the endov ers, but as sure as there's 
A Power over us. so I believe 
That socialism amply justifies me. 
The very stub that gave them the faint ankle 
And ground for protest, me enthusiasm 
To cheers aroused. For I have yet to quail 
At truth's confessional — no coward I 
Behind retraction to seek shelter. — Socialism ! 
Based on materialist conception of 
History universal and the evolution 
Of an infallible science economy— sound 
The last of feudalism, but first of capitalism- 
Can prow these negativos, froth as they may. 
It but resolves itself into a question 
When all is said and done, done said, said done, — 
Of time. 
Pareil. It may be. Still the faculty 

19 



Deeming a breach of regulations, starements 
And views of yours conducive not to them, 
Objection raised. 

Ff-Rrer. It had been sad, if it 

Cocducive were ! What are thek deltaing protests 
When, Hke an Alpine avalanche, they shall 
Be by the social revolution, swept 
Into oblivion ? Laugh I do about 
Their patents for eiipulsions, logic-gags. 
The anarchist and socialist to mu2zle with. 
• It stands no acid. That views like mine created 
Sensational opinion in ^he college 
Not yet a prologue for apology is. 
The Quadalquivir rather had deflect ! 
It is no foible— to admit an eiror. 
There was a Quebec bridge collapsed once too 
Still engineers span rivers as before. 
But of the nauseating pellets one 
Must mouib and glut, unstomachable is: — 
"To think what's justly so, be otherwise." \_p<-icing. 

Pareil. Ah now you"re talking, but the season's past 
The angry passion roused, emoHent none 
As I the matter view, is possible. 
To try exposure when the dark-room's needed I 
For one I reason that the mterests 
Fused to a state of strain be thus diswired, — 
At once connection with the school must cease. 
That cue I grip and have foreboding felt 
To that extent, which same to counteract 
My resignation mailed. 

The faculty 
Profound'y have ignored it and through me — 
Yours and the faculty's opinions mixing not, — ■ 
The university's chief, my painful duty 
Now to the case recoiling, announce it, that 
They have — 

Ferrer. Suspended me suppose-- 

Pareil. Expelled ! 

Ferrer, [stunned then slowly.'] 

The Nazarene forgave his fees — 

Parkil. Repeat 



Ferrer. 



Pareil 



20 



The Nnzarene and emulate, who bore 
The cross to Calvary smiling. They decline 
The Nazaren€ to play. 
Ferrer. Chucked, dumped aside 

The v*'Ovkmen and his tools ! 

l^AREH., Be Atlas Ferrer, 

And thy dynamic viewpoints empire give. 
That they, whom Heracles, in contempt held, 
By power of endurance to their spite 
Endorsement forced. 

Ferrer. Re fi acting I feel sorry 

I ever resig^ned. Impartial justice here 
My side denied is. Into a court, before 
A judge, it should have. 

Pareil. That is to regret. 

He. under cover should that sniffs hver-as. 
Yet now with sad assent forced am I to 
Inform you of the same — ycu must migrate. 

Ferrer, \kai in kand'\ Then on the road. Oh feverishly yearned I 
Occasion to declare my mind's ideals 
If not in classr<5om, then in townhall. Yes 
The moment has arrived for that too. WeU 
I hope bright day? and years for Lisbon, even 
As for the theory of socialism 
Position sacrificed, continue after. 
Their threshold leaving, mine, no ill-will thtm, 
in wish I rankle. Me, forsake Ood wont, 
ril earn my living anywhere I go 
My trade's not lost, [goes to the doorj] 

Pareil. I trust so, trust you do 

Survive securely, bridge the test professor 
My sympathies unbound. 

Ferrer, [returning] Reserve them for 

A lesser indivi<3uai than humble 
Francisco Ferrer. Ejected I may be,— 
But scarce to this can they give passport t€ 
The virtues of the socialist philosophy 
That would the first time in the history 
Of the human race, the animal workingman 
A human being make; would lift the women 
That by the wayside fell; expunge forever 

2] 



The plight of poverty, erase the shame 

Of charity — a blight upon the state; 

Would men unite in a Brotherhood of Man 

Under a Fatherhood of God, so that the dream 

Of him who walked the sea and stilled the gale 

Come true— Christ's dream — Christianity Applied 

By socialism -this deport nat-can they — [,^<^^«,^ back 

Which thro' my life fluids rotates and \.\\xo\io the door 

The alleys of my veins is rioting 

The matter of my mmd into a jubilee 

Of madness sound, — unto my vision, lanterns 

Supplies anew, my ears new symphonies, 

And this my hollow breast an impact renders 

As a crazed cataract's convulsed descension 

Engraves the promontory gliding o'er 

But leaves the basal roots intact. For this 

Their dispossess of me unwarranted 

Compunction wish I them, I'll mop no floors 

For my inferiors. Good-afternoon. 

Dash homeward backwards from the gatherin)^- mist 

This Ferrer will not, as a Socialist I 

[Enter Stuttent and ha7ids him Villafi ancas 
\reply. At this point El Vasa and 
[reading. '] [Nunez unseen bv Fetrer ye- enter ^. 

"Expect me. P'ear no trap. Nor door nor lock 
Me cower can. Scream when the Masons threaten. 
There will be papers of alienation 
Served on El Vasa. Greeting from the children." 
An ease to scruples. I'm assured at least 
Of Villafranca's troth and care. Why stare 
Your faces at the door .^ what is behind them \ 

[Enter from one door Fiscal Ugarte with a 
ivarrajit followed by a gendarme. Enter 
Zorilla from another door.\ 

IJG.4.RTE Subject unto arrest Francisco Ferrer 

On pain of death, — the law demands his person. 

Zorilla. \disputino the ge7idarme^ 

He falls that shall distress my friend. Fiscal 

1 know Ferrer by far too long — not he 

The Law of State contested— stop gendarme I [draivs 

Ugari'e. Disqualify attention from third parties \a sword 

22 



Ferrer. 
Ugarte. 



Parei l 

ZORILLA. 
tiL VaSA. 

Ferrer. 



Pareil. 
Ugarte. 



Pareil & 
Ugarte. 



Fastea the fetters on the anarchist ! 

Schools that the young are taught by Ferrer are 

By Law prohibited — gendarme disarm 

The intermediary. 

Where then have I violated 
That Law entrenched so clamors for my head .'' 
Instructing atheism children, teaching 
Disregard for law, antagoniring Rule, 
The theories of anarchy and socialism 
Usage of textbooks by agnostic authors 
Derision and contempt for priest and Church, 
In the shape of elementary primers used. 
. The University predicting, saves 

Itself predicament, and spared the harvest 
Of ignominy, is. 

Ignore the charge nor stoop 
Beneath unearned indignity. 

Facing things 
As dean in ofifice, Fiscal I inform you 
Ferrer no teacher's here, considered only 
As out of us, expelled 

Other men's wives 
To escort midnights, see that thou improve on 
In escortless enterprises. — Cfificials, I 
Accept the warrant for arrest. Zorilla 
Thy advent at this Valley Forge is index 
To Yorktowns yet to be, —deeply I feel 
Your guardianship for me. Ugarte this 
Arresi seems anachronic, but such cyclones 
Socialists since weathered. 

Pleasant voyageing. 
And a smooth sea. 

Yet wait. From Ferrer 
And to El Vasa, complaint and subpoena: 
El Vasa you a correspondent named 
In an alienation suit, commenced and sued 
By Senora Villafranca Ferrer, are. 
Nunez. Astonishing ! 

Dates for a hearing's set. 
Treason the charge against Ferrer, against 
El Vasa co-respondence with his wife 



23 



El Vasa. 



Ferrer. 



Ugarte. 



Charged and for alienation, damages. 
Precedent rude. It unbecoming was 
Ugarte, in the presence of observers 
Matter that's private, orchestrate. My council 
Shall represent me in behalf as far 
As lie my interests versus Ferrer's. 
Why versus, when harmonious, I am 
Of dean El Vasa's inclination for 
My wife, quite conscious, nor am jealous, sin<. e 
El Vasa is a weakling, in the manner 
Of curbing instincts of his aesthetic Ego. 
My task and duties touching education, 
The government, irate and wrathful hath 
The legal and official Lisbon rulers 
Made so, my life was menaced. Lest my wife 
With loss of me were threatened, let the gap 
By any one be tilled. And hence I reasoned 
If 'twere El Vasa, if as I do risk 
He risk it after me, then any attachment 
Of his for her, no jealously in me 
Occasion can, though the entire affair 
By Villafranca misconceived became — 
By me quite analysed and by El Vasa — 
Distorted, disproportionately engendered, — 
Obedience to which impulse files she suit 
Not for divorce, as here the laws deny it. 
But damages for the estrangement of 
Her love for me her husband, — that is all. 
Criminal the charge of treason, alienation 
Civil alone, Ferrer in custody 
Remains; El Vasa keeps the subpeona. 

[hands El Vasa subpoena, while 
gendarme arrests Ferrer, ExeuntJ] 




24 



ACT THE SECOND 

LISBON IN THE CORBEILLE SUBURB. 

Scene — A ?nusomc chamber in the Masonic Temple, 

Back of chamber has in the rear, tabernacle Altar, session 
seats and furniture used for initiating masons. Several 
masons discovered seated and discussing. l^vtiEZ in the 
High Chair, secretary QuadraqUez besides, writing, 

QuADRA()UEZ. Less noise brethren, roll-call will be next. 
Sargossa ? Heptez ? Espau ? Don Miguel ? 
D'Orveil here ? Not here? D'Orveil absent ! 
Algebro ? Castion ? Febrix present ? Answer ! 
Six mtmbers absent, I am tired of this. 
El Vasa ? Ferrer ? not ? no meeting senors ! 

Nunez. With those who're present then, the meeting goes on. 
First place I've this to say to every member. 
Henceforth and after Vidocq's eyes on our 
Grand secretary Quadraquez. I find 
Report and record sad revision crying. 
I have endured with long complacence, but 
The papal line of demarcation has 
Jostled my patience. I like not duty shirked 
Because of wasted systemless results 
Nihil and unproUfic. To tend a lodge 
Requires nerves and thine's a lambly sort. 
Not smithed to it. Not so much I should judge 
Thy misrule as thy nonrule, but the brethren 
Hoople it a troupe of clowns. So therefore. 

Quadraquez. Errata master ! I presume I can 

Upon my record stand. The fault not mine 
If members are delinquent, that incompetence 
Excursion has and pic-nic. Uncongenial 
Has the responsibility of being 
Grand secretary been for me. But for 
The good and welfare of Freemasonry 
\ have forgone complaint. 

25 



Nunez. Just so expected 

In the face of our code to sweet the sour. 

I want the name of every lodge subsidiary 

Entered by actuaries and certified, 

The dues receipted properly, — not scribbled. 

All minutes first transcribed and printed later, 

A special committee of character 

Appointed wish to investigate new applicants. 

Beyond this, nothing else. Please understand me, 

I trust that our relation skip the breach 

And with no straining onward so continue. 

Only observe that regularity be. 
QuADRAQUEZ. I promise and amiss not take the caution 

Striving most faithfully to commit myself. 
[Enter El Vasa and rapidly approaches Quadra- 
QUEZ. The two fall into a discussion exciting, 
from which QUADRAQUEZ issues with a cry.] 

Oh God ! Past Master ! Oh God ! Peril ! Derangement ! 

Instant suspend the meeting — a crime has been 

To daylight brought, — freemasonry was tampered ! 
Nunez. My son, cement the edges of your fright 

I do not place you. 
QUADRAQUEz. The rather that you don't. 

An incommunicado here were solace; 

One bolt's undamped. 
Nunez. Pray language less deranged, 

So I the information can decipher 

By a deduction of the dread mishap. 
OUADRAQUEZ. Director dean El Vasa me informs 

This very moment, the secret-sacred trust 

Incumbent on us violated was, 

A brother member revelation has 

Made deed of gift to persons, members not, 

Of password of our order. 
Nunez, \becoming pale^^ Saints and martyrs ! 

By whom ? 
Quadraquez. By since expelled Professor Ferrer 

Of Lisbon University — he says. 
Nunez. What ! brother Ferrer make a merchandise 

Of secrets — discnmasonment for him ! 
El Vasa. Dumbfounded, in a trance I have since been 

26 



upon the discovery master of the event. 
Nor hail I here because of samaritanism, 
My object sole the lodge's good and welfare. 
For this communing of the leak, diminishes 
My boiling animus top-o'erbrimful 
Against the gentry that do litigate me. 
If I had anythmg to say about it 
The motive this. Briefly and in a nutshell 
Being a socialist and for it being 
Ejected, in him, a retaliation 
Propels and actuates, the same to achieve 
Masonic secrets, imprudently he 
U nbags to certain. Several profitting 
By this disclosure, hospitality 
Themselves, along of us, unespied, banquet. 
This is so far as I detect the matter. 
Nunez. Great and kind God— such downright manlessses* ! 
Why, what inducement, action for contemptuous 
Disloyalty ushers, not a scrutiny 
To common sense is. Our cult is surely spiked. 
I reckon that it was a grievance for 
Ferrer, when from the university 
Expulsion flung him out and goaded on 
By a suffusing sense of injured pride 
He thus retaliates. For us remains 
New passwords to adopt. I certainly owe 
Apology to Quadraquez I censured 
Impulsively, not judging.— That's the griddle ! 
Members not masons, masons and not members 
The password revealed. By right his life for such 
An infamy, deprived of him should be. 
No questions asked— masonics to the gale ! 
And Id ! the occasion ! I've a notice on 
My desk before me, an application for 
The fifth degree, the member having passed 
Four of them with success. Guess who's this is. 

The Masons? Ferrer's? 

j^UjjE2. Not too overloud. Mongolians we 

Lest we cool on the theme, my bond on that. 
I will endorse his application first {writes on back 
Entrance permitting to the fifth degree, [<?//V. 

27 



Beguiling a belief of nonchalance. 
Then I suggest it be arranged b^^ us ' 

To get this desperado off his guard 
[This matter to be secret and not public] 
Towards the termination of the rite 
Of initation, all the lights be halved, 
And you El Vasa, from a niche unseen ! 

Advance and swing the knife into his chest, 
Not forcibly, but forcedly enough 
To effect a laceration for memento 
• Under pretence that we tatoo his rank. 
This pain him will and so we shall be evened 
The trapper tiapped, the traitor taught beta yal. 
Concurred ? 

The Masons. Unanimous. 

Nunez. At once secrete. 

His advent I anticipate, on notice 
From Ferrer's letter just received Seclude ! 

[Exeunt all except El Vasa and Nunez.] 
Opinion dean. Can masonry vhich teach us 
To subdue, control our anger, when a derelict 
Like Ferrer, who inspires us with mania 
On sight to kill him, its philosophy standardise 
Not to give impetus to wrathful moods } 
We are outraged. A password yield ! An art 
Of a conscienceless ! No ! even masonry 
Subordinates itself to human nature. 
Revenge discouraged should be, but by God 
Revenge when craving will not be enchained. 

El Vasa. I join you there. The Masons I contended 
Use only artificial ethics, natural 
Impulse and passion masonry discords 
Sincere aspersion. Nature will be nature. 
Eye for an eye is quite good masonry. 
For good the good and evil for an evil. 
Influenced that way I might declare suits me. 
The violence contemplated flooring him 
The satisfaction of a slaughter gives me 
In the alienation suit against me pending; 
For I'm again submerged head over ears 
With Villafranca's love, — dying for her. 

28 



[aside] This murder as the first-born awakes 

A mother-love, my love doth for his wife.[(?.izV.] 

Nunez. Enwrapt meditation, solemn, musing, 
The features mirroring regretfulness 
Haunted by omen black, advances hither — 

[Enter Ferrer but remains half-way at the door. 
Willt give me too the password ? mayest forbear 
That comfort, for thy advertisement's current, 
My much aggrieved brother F. Ferrer. 

Ferrer. Be it my privilege to enter here — 

Nunez. I owe no privilege, especially 

To you— biography of thee I have. 

Ferrer. When I shall be allowed to take the floor — 

Nunez. That charity may ycu have. 

Ferrer. I trust I am 

Not subject to your what I note displeasure. 

Nunez. The Lord forbid. But aggravated are 

The members. Step inside the chamber brother. 

Masonic charity is beyond the mat. 

Face me and squarely look at me. Obeying 

Our code of manners, tell me I cannot 

Be father of my understanding, how 

Comes this so fulminating of a shock 

To masonry, that thou esteemed by us 

Respected, honored, trusted, flattered, — oh 

I cannot, fail to term it further, should 

Indulge in an inhuman indiscretion 

And to the uninitiated breast 

The secret password, — pray explain me that. 

Ferrer. Past master Nunez, punish me may Providence 
If reason other, if a motive for 
Revenge, made me reveal the password,— one 
And one alone, a sentiment impelled me 
To effect the violation, — sympathy ! 
I gazed about me, saw bleak poverty — 
The tiny breastlings shoeless in the gutters, 
Toil-smitten boys and girls under age, 
111. underfed, deprived of very schooling, 
In factories, in shops, in mines, in homes 
Inviting more for animals than persons. 
Their famished mothers, breadless, bedless, thin, 

29 



Nunez. 



Ferrer. 



Nunez. 



Despair of wageless fathers, shirtless, moneyless. 

Subject and object of sad charity. 

This made on me a terrible impression 

And the impression horrified me, and 

This horror actuated me so I 

Impressed and terrified and actuated 

Stung to the marrow with compassionate rage 

At such a brutal, such a harrowing sight 

Resorted to emergency however 

Erratic and infringing, risky and reckless, — • 

As when a ship is burnmg, water used 

The flames to conquer, nearly sinks the vessel. 

I saw the greedy and enmansioned classes 

In Swiss chateaux and on verandas dancing — 

While gaunt of hunger rottening in cellars, 

In lodging houses, workmen, businessmen, 

The cultured, the refined, drop famished. — Woe ! 

Observing this, no exit from the scene. 

My feelings gave away to strain, I could 

No longer bear composure; well I thought 

What has to be that must, I will reveal 

The sign masonic, front hated charity 

With craftiness, so that those who command 

The secret password, entrance can obtain 

In establishments masonic and partake 

Of food and clothing, bedding and a home. 

[El Vasa, Quadraquez and members who have 
been during Ferrer's speech. secretly listening 
to him at the door now enter and j//.] 
So that's the reason then, — it's sympathy. 
Brethren: Ferrer regrets to have distracted 
The fraternal confidence and has to some 
Extent himself defended. I'll admit 
That pity's operations counter-run 
The established route, the best there travelling 
To felonies succumb, — Still answer this. 
Suppose in the event permission were 
Your socialism in the college given } 
My former dean is here to contradict it. 
Resigned I had not and expelled I were not. 
Suppose it so, suppose the secrets of 



30 



The Iodide masonic had intact remained ? 
Ferrer. Now the example of such reasoning 

Is known in logic 'consequence of fallacy." 
Masonic secrets craved for no disturbance 
Were socialism it to supersede. 
The bottom of it suddenly would drop, 
A daylight secret it would flourish as. 

Nunez. Masonic authors claim freemasonry 
Exactly is what socialism is. 

Ferrer. It" masonry is socialism, then 

I pray upon my application act 

For entrance to the fifth degree; the veil 

Would I pierce through, — I am a very dunce. 

Collect the members, light the drowsy candles 

Initiate me and procrastinate not, — 

Let masonry the socialist enlighten. 

El Vasa. I move we act on Ferrer's application 
And to the fifth mitiate the brother. 

Ferrer, {aside ] The introduction is quite an atonement 
For the expulsion, — I am gaining favors 
Even from the man at odds with me, El Vasa. 

Nunez. Who seconds brother El Vasa ? 

QUADRAQUEZ. I do. 

Nunez. Members 

In favor of initiating Ferrer 

Say aye. 
The Masons. Aye ! 

Nunez None againsi him .? Brother Ferrer 

Hast washed thy feet and fasted .?[/vrr^r nods'yes'\ 

Step between, 

I do thy application countersign, 

Although a misdemeanor would negate it. 

But we'll be masons and erase the divergence. 

Members arise! assemble to bear testimony 

Of the initiation of the fifth 

Degree to one, a brother of our lodge. 
[ The members rise to assemble and the stage is fixed 
up for the ceremony of initiation. Violet lamp lit.'] 

As is the custom, Quadraquez, do I 

Appoint the fifth degree enmasoner. 

Sargossa compter and Miguel tyler, 

31 



And customary for the instaliation 
Grand Secretary Quadraquez, the lecturer 

\^The Alasons lead Quadraquez to the 
altar and he ascends //.] 
Quadraquez. [lecturing.] 

"To the lecture of Drelojapftmno Gimj 

Royal Arch of Hong Kong, grandwarden & tinsmith 

Gnadinobindzu Haak his co-compiler 

With Zuka Fundzivivandix one keen plumber — 

A^ttention brother ' 

[Ferrer is led to the altar steps. Four noseless 
masons dressed as bashi — bazouks appear 
from underneath the flooring 7\ 
A person's life's a tragedy 
Co-mpared with murders which are artificiaL 
The nights we sleep in are a manual for 
The training of our organs for the drowse 
At v^hich historic advent, death the sheriff 
In common with the cricket, to the nether 
Sumrnons each mother's son, No respect, nor 
Respite, when taps the bony fiscal. Ferrer 
Sentenced at birth to death, the grave imprisons 
The mortal body, free alone the soul. 
No paleing, none of quailmg though; remembering 
The sandy skyless hole, the dung, the vermin, 
Lead a masonic, lead a moral life. 
The Masons, [wailing.] Angles make biangles make triangles. 
The 4 Basbi-Bazouks. [cheering.] 

One sine, two cosines, three hypothenuses! 

[ The 4 Bashi-Bazouks light ly black candles a-nd 
bring in a basin of slime. The tabeynacle is 
opened by QuADRAQUEZ,/r^m which he takes 
out an urn containing departed masons' ashe^ 
and gives it to Nunez. Organ. 
Nunez, [strowing ashes on Ferrer's head.] 

A voice from out the tomb hushed since is eloquent- 

The silent dead more eloquent than the living. 

Who do to undo, sleep to awake, unite 

Only to part and part only to join. 

In token that we are a mess of sand 

The ashes of the bygone on thee strow we, 

32 



Ashes become our sorrows and our joys 

Ashes are all our vanities and glory, 

Ashes the lees of pleasure, comfort, ashes 

All happiness all aspiration, — ashes 

Our savings, reckonings, — ashes our very 

Body and soul, wealth, fame and name. — ashes — 

Ashes thy wife and child — 

Ferrer. Oh not my child — 

Forego him, who's a father. 

Nunez. Ashes — Ashes ! 

Solace and consolation, dust, sand and ashes 
Ashes and dust and sand and sand and ashes. 
The eternal Author who writes our fates 
The heavenly Architect who builds our lives 
The immortal Chemist he no ashes is. 

[^resiorgs urn to Ouadraquez who replaces it in 
tabernacle. The 4 Bashi-Bazoeks li^ht a fire 
of varicolored hues in the basin of slime and 
go thro a serpentine convolutions ?[ 

Ferrer. These baffling movements augur what ? They argue 
No theory clear to me. 

Ouadraquez. {lecturing?^ Life is a mystery. 

And is an initiation in itself. 
From birth to death strange ceremonies are 
Before us practiced and practiced oft by us. 
Come from localities familiar not 
Hallaballos against us, grumbling, growls 
From mortals we deemed foe-proof. Undue events 
Of accidents the velvet in us bleaches. 
In May-pole violet games, a burial, 
And crepe and pall the initiatory then. 
The thorn pricks behind the bushy rose 
We crown our brides with, the initiation 
For the wedding night. Unconscions must we be 
And blanketted are all our sense and feeling 
When to the Unknown our soul's initiated. 
Along a shimmering ocean surface is 
Life's vessel snapped by iceberg snatched to death 
Beyond the veil seek not to penetrate 
1 hey died that did. 

Ferrer, \asidei\ They did that died were better. 

33 



[ The 4 Bashi-Bazouks hiss, spit and snort altetnaieJy 

Nunez. Conclude the lecture. \to Ferrek] A little nearer— so! 

QuADRAQUEZ. [lecturing] Midway the path of life we meet with 
In the midst of life we arc in death, in midst [fate. 
Of love in hatred, amidst hate in love. 
Midst hopes in fear, midst fears in hope, amidst 
Plateaux m Pike-peaks, amidst sea on land. 
Midst land on sea, midst sickness healthy, midst 
The healthy sick, an anachronic torture. 
Oh God, midst grief and anguish be amidjt us 
The hour calm when the day's a tempest. 
The hand of comfort in the dying hour. 
Forsake us not when we have need of Thee, 
Because amidst the seeming innocence 
Of ambush, lurks the Sioux blade in h.ind [(fiScends.] 

El Vasa. [aside] Not ambush always, sometimes open camp. 
One for Ferrer is in the neighborhood. 
Dead first, before to court for alienatirn 
You will my name and status of me drag. 

[Hugh Eye appears on the waU.\ 

The 4 Bashi-Bazouks. Hosanna ! Ocula ! 

Nunez. Behold the finger of 

The eyeless, to the dumb a lip, an ear 
Unto the deaf, — the ocula illumina I 
As from the pupil radiates the beam 
And gushes liquid light to temper temper. 

\^A heinous hissing hot light issues from the 
pupil of the eye enveloping Ferrer.] 
Refining flame, goldsmith this base alloy. 

Ferrer, {terrified^ Reduce the focus brethren-else I'm S( orchtd. 
Decrease the blinding fiash ! What ? cherish ye 
The pride, that I shall on my days declining 
Grope sightless } — quench the ray ! oh heavenly God ! 
What plot's this on me } Civilized savages ! 
Caught in a firetrap — caught in a holocaust — 
Release — my flesh is singeing — ha ! I char ! 

\^He crouches and gropes but is blocked by the 4 
Noseless Bashi-Basouks. Quadraquez z'cils 
the eye and the Bashi-Baiouks emitting 
sparks and smoke sink beneath the floor. 1 

Quadraquez. Succumbing any ? 

34 



Ferrer. It wanLs an Ossi.m 

To face this sun I am beside myself 
Fron agony of heat, [aszWc'] Would yonder wall 
Were brotht-r to a door, anuss I feel 
Midst aliens weird and on the boundary 
Of faulting border. 

Nunez Apprentice masons step 

Besides the aproned masters. Last the test 
For temper's brake — reserve. Following that 
Tatooing of the degree. [Zs^// El Vasa.] Ferrer, I you 
Ungarb for that, — Kl Vasa has the key 
Of entrance— signaled — countenance — nor tremble — 
Diminish lamps ! \_s/czo^e darkening'\ Ahead ! 

Fkprer. \jiiivining dattgrr screams\ Help ! I'm being 

For slaughter crossed ! — Assassins ! raise the lamps ! 
The chamber darkens— voices angry — oaths 
Ghoulish my ears assault — designers plot — 
To kill me— aid ! entrapt I am— oh help ! 

{sounds of blows struck at doors within 7^ 
Heard ! God my intervener ! 

QUADRAQUEZ. Doors cave in. 

ViLLAFRANCA. \jvithut\ Arms, strong as crowbars, crash ! wrench 

[hinges I ! 

No bar is bo't enough. In doors ! and indoors ! 

\_Doors broken in behind. Enter ViLLA FRANCA and 

steps between Ferrer and El Vasa luho has just 

rushed in and is in the act of stabbing Ferrer.] 

Quadraquez. Invadress bold ! 

Nunez, Lamps higher! \_iights increase'] 

El Vasa. Adams rib 

Eavesdropping here ! 

Quadraquez. Espied ! 

Nunez. Eject her ! 

Ferrer. Rescued ! 

Quadraquez, A Pocahontas. 

El Vasa. She? A Jeanne d'Arc— 

And welcome rather [aside] I melt within her sun 
The beauty queen to whose feet I would fall, [shine 
As thinneth down the dew before the sun 
Her beauty robs my arm of its prowess, [drops knife. 

VillafranCa. Dare but a finger to lay on Professor 

35 



Francisco Ferrer, dazed in mire, I stretch you. 

Nunez. An Amazona ! 

OUADRAQUEz. Bashi-bazouk her boy. 

ViLLAFRANCA. Attempt a step— 

Nunez. What, madam mean you then 

With interception, here a breach to us 
Of secrecy, urbanity profaned, 
And in the progress and the process of 
A rite masonic ? 

ViLLAFRANCA. This if I this privilege 

Usurp, as seem to ye. The instinct and 
Portent to harm my husband, peril threatened 
Me to his side and aid, of this forewarned, 
No sacrificed too dear, my haste, and Mercury 
My pace to guard him. Ancient escort ! carve 
On marble thy inspired genius, but 
Not on my husband ! Or, if you must inflict 
Lance rather first my heart, his wife I am. 
Upon the altar, married when we were 
His pangs and torments to divide I swore. 
Pretensions yours, — no object I decry 
But secretly conspired, on me flashes 
The revelation, — murder him ye mean 
Because the secret sign he publish did. 
Opprobrious lie ! I 'twas his wife revealed 
The password— he in me confided had, — 
In an unguarded moment let it slip. 
I stand besides him, execute on me 
Your judgment, I his wife I share it will. 
Such my solicitude, my deference such. 

Nunez, No formulary defense will justify 

The mannerless entrance on your part. And also 
For vindications meeting we conduct not. 
You will forego us, we demand conditionless 
You fast evacuate. 

ViLLAFRANCA. Alone abandon 

His person, my true husband Doctor Ferrer 
In Calcutta den, Apache robber-crypt ? 
You've yet to jury me. 

Oh no, — I scan your murderous Jesuit features 
Sarcasm-warped, pale-lit by mooney tapers. 
I bore him, nursed him children, from me drew 

36 



Assessing sorrow last of my soul's farthing. 

What pain bore I his wife, becoming mother 

To children that should champion his cause 

Their noble father's burden shoulder help. 

My inspiration he and my sustainer. 

Nor winter's blast nor summer's fire tampered 

My husband's effort in behalf of ours. 

A home he gave me howsoever dingy 

The wolf from off our threshold drove he often 

Secured our necessaries honorably 

The piece of bread, but honorably earned. 

My children's education was his life-work 

And muzzling rumoi of divorce we still 

By ties eternal are as one united. 

Not he betrayer, no conspirer he 

To merit hangman's nooze or headsman's axe. 

Will I stand neutral and avoid protection 

In this his hour of defenselessness ? 

What him imperils me doth jeopardize. 

Knew I, I were his scrapegoat shirk not would I. 

For, if for soil your daggers are in quest 

Make here my mother- heart the territory. \_off'ers her- 

NuNEZ. Hysteric charming! Brethren by a woman {self to be 
Are blurred our customs. [stabbed. 

El Vasa. {aside?[ By the Portuguese gods ! 

Too beauteous a breast for murder to 
Defile, — no rasping tool for such fine texture. 

OuADRAQUEZ. Time misspent's, labor gone. I move we write 
To Manuel of the event. 

Ferrer. Acclaim thy virtues 

That nursed your children, who in turn shall edit 
Littanies in morrocco for them. Put the shawl on 
Lest by exposure chilled. Uncovered stay 
The track iniquity's, valladolid mercy 
Expected is not. I for their conspiring 
Commentaries reserve. See the correctness 
Of what foreaugure did I, — violence 
Thereof the hint, not baseless, and precaution 
My solid switch. 

ViLLAFRANCA. Right truly. Here is yet 

A plot between. Proof of my wifely fealty 

37 



Establishment will vouch. What say yon Ferrer 
Of El Vasa's daring fancy— the attainment 
Ot gorgeous me, via a murderer's ruse 
A liaison — [my alienation suit 
In lawyer's desk repose.] El Vasa — dodge rot — 
That night o'morn — that escort — Sabine kisses — 
See see the rose-hue on El Vasa's cheeks — 
His correspondence are my proof! Wean wives 
From husbands, win them and their husbands 
Unwive by — die the thought. 

Nunez.- Annoysome ! That 

El Vasa as our vindicator should 
Career assume, an alienator of 
Wifely affection — it's deplorable. 

ViLLAFRANCA. He quartered should be, he distongued ought be 
That this deception did co-jointly 
Arrangement plotting perpetrate a crime. 
I blame you Nunez just as all of them 
You are no better than the rest of you. 
What hooked-up ceremony, what decoy rite 
What ray to blind him and what knife to carve him 
But his removal was a-contemplated 
So that with Ferrer out of guarded barracks 
El Vasa might romance with me. 

El Vasa. Disgrace not 

Such merciless allusion. Keep in mind 
The occasion and the place, nor across ponds 
Whip oxen that want planks. 

QUADRAQUEZ. The meeting's closed. 

ViLLAFRANCA. And never reopen it. I have you fathomed 
You crafty clique and bunch, the keyhole 3 cnder 
Did charity to my eyes and spied for me 
Designs of slaying Ferrer. But I collared ye ! 
Witness my lacerate hands the doors ur.hirgirg. 
Masonic love, oh faugh, trap men to death I 
Learn from a woman masonry natural — 
To fight for children, husband, honor, home. 
A woman's wile and razor of her instincts 
For truth at any cost, the gauntlet smacks you. 
First kill a Rizzio to gain a Darnley 
Then kill a Uarnley to gain a Bothwell 

38 



Corrupted and corrupting Torqutmado£ — 

Reversed — inversed Becerra del Toros — 

Blood-sucking matadors and toreadors — 

Disguised civilian executioners ! — 

1 may perhaps appearance indicate 

Cf meddleress, but enter in my library 

I'll compliment you with a text on "Character" ! 

Ferrer. My arms thy harbor ! menaceH ship but buoy-sure. 

{^embraces her. 

Nunez. Further proceedure appertaining is not. 

The fifth degree is cancelled. There shall be — 

QUADRAQUEZ. {^looking at a calendar.'] 

No convocation until Tuesday coming, 

( Tableaux. Exeunt. 




39 



ACT THE THIRD 

LISBON POOR QUARTERS. 

Scene — A garret indicative of poverty. In a cradle Ferrer s 
child Tibi ill, Villafranca rocking tt discovered. Ferrer 
by the hearth napping. Cappadoge housekeeping, 

Villafranca. {rocking and lullabying baby .) 

1. Apple babe, dumpling babe, lu, lu, lu, 

What will have my Tibi dada have ? 
Lolly ? dolly ? taffy ? xylo ? lu, lu, lu, 

Why my tibikins a mama wants. 
Wants a mama, has a mama, ma, ma, ma, 

Lolly, dolly, taffy, xylo, lu, lu, lu. 

2. Stars are glimming, stars are dimming, lu, lu, lu. 

What will have my Tibi dada have } 
Duckie dabbles ? goosie gobbles ? lu, lu, lu, 

Why my tibikins a mama wants. 
Cries for mama, yes a mama, ma, ma, ma, 

Duckie dabbles, goosie gobbles, lu, lu, lu. 

3. Turtle dovey, kiddie lovey, lu, lu, lu. 

What will have my Tibi dada have ? 
Kissy } tussy ? horsey ? bussie ? lu, lu, lu, 

Why my tibikins a mama wants. 
Only mama, mama only, lu, lu, lu, 

Kissy, tussie, horsey, bussie, lu. lu, lu. 

Cappadoge, Ferrer sleeps. The Lethan spring 
Washes away his cares and so he rests. — 
To pyres, stakes, auto-de-fes an end 
Arrived, but not to our poverty. 
Eternal 'tis, chill, gloom, my baby ill. 
In one year's space, the pigment of the dawn 
Hath streaked my head, a gray. Sister-in-law, 
Hist, how the baby breathes hard, hot and hot — 
Call Dr. Cisner for me — failing, failing 
My little Tibi. {Exit Cappadoge.) Ferrer woke have 
Fer^REr. a heavy dream involved me. It appeared (you } 

40 



To me. whilst I sat napping, I was shot. 
VILLAFRANC4, Let, out of rule, a dream be. Yet would I 

My baby's sickness were a dream. 
Ferrer. How is she ? 

ViLLAFRANCA. My Calculation are by fear attacked. 

I am undone on her account. — She's worse. 

\_Enter Zorilla with food bundles, household 
wants, fruits, bread, and deposits them on the 
table behind, unobserved by Villafranca but 
noticed by Ferrer,'] 
Ferrer. Nay, nay I am unworthy, comrade, — why 
Exert in my behalf. — I never can 
Repiy your kind benificence. 
Zorilla. Caught rumor 

Of h iuie affairs of yours in straights, and so — 
Concerned for you and yours I let not 
Redress in exile live —there — no receipt,— 
Good appetite and better luck. 
Ferrer. Zorilla 

Repay you how and thank 7 
Zorilla. Thank not at all. 

A erift by thanks is orphaned, they reside 
Or lose- their mansion in the dispensation, 
Accept and grac?i delivery — are my thaLks. 
How are you ? 
Ferrer. Bitter to eke out a livelihood. 

I lecture, I write article, translate, 
Edit, teach privately, am organizing 
The E^scuela Moderna. 
Zorilla. Heard of that. 

ViLLAFRANCA. pjod, bread for us ? 
Ferrer. Came a Samaritan. 

ViLLAFRANCA. These yours for us ? 

Zorilla. Enjoyment all your own. 

ViLLAFRANCA. I hive no words— so good of you ! 



Zorilla. 



Ferrer. 



Address 
Yourself to me in any case, nor let 
Infrequency of person bar. — 1 ill then. [Exit.] 
Strangers provide us with. Often I found 
The world's heart at bottom selfish not. 
Thinking this way I turned optimist.— [^//^ by ^raie. 



41 



\_Enter Capadoge.1 
CappadoGE, ViUafranca, — Dr. Cisner. 

[Enter Dr. Ctsner] 
Dr. Cisner. Senoia Ferrer.? 

ViLLAFRANCA. Ah doclor came you have. — My sister-in-law 

Sent for you have I. — Cappadoge hand 

A chair, the doctor. — 
Cappadoge. Out of order is 

And much neglected our home, the wmter — 
ViLLAFRANCA. The angry winter — chills — 
Cappadoge. Excuse us doctor 

For the derangement here. 
Dr. Cisner. Oh that's no matter. — 

Sick baby eh ? hot ? rales and fast breath. 

Q lite feverish, — I see. 
ViLLAFRANCA. Prostratcd is 

'i'his child of us, — speechless, sleeping lies she. 

What has she doctor ? tell me, or I shall 

Wear oat with care. 
Dr. Cisner. Malignant case of typhoid 

The malady I fear, me this it augurs 

Underfed, emaciate I see this child. 
ViLLAFRANCA. I am its execuLioner. 
Dr. Cisner. Change of air 

Imperative were. Neglect and hunger seems 

Its stencil left upon your little one, rnilk)ess 

It lay I must infer — what medicine 

If aiy I prescribe can, I am in doubt 

Restore it will not, — fatal might the end be. 
ViLLAFRANCA. Will my child, die ? 
Dr. Cisnek, I wish to speak to Ferrer. ' 

Cappadoge. Villafranca, weep not. {^Ferrer and the 

ViLLAFRANCA. How Can I refrain .? [doctor 

Cappadoge. Hope for the brst my dear. [converse 

ViLLAFRANCA. The gFave fjr me 

Timely would be. [Ferrer by the hearth. 

Dr. Cisner. [to Cappadoge?^ Slill why was not the infant 

Nourished and nursed as it entailed on it.? 
Cappadoge. Pardon us doctor Ferrer was away 

On business with the Escuela Moderna. 

The Barcelona rising, Morroccoan outbreak 

42 



Dilayed, because of censors, letters of credit 
And traveller's cheque of Ferrer's were. Well nigh 
Did our knee to the Charity Commission 
Bend down, — for Masons would not succor us, 
Ferrer dismasoned being. 

Ferrer. Why burns the hearth 

So dreamily ? What is this ? Why doth filter 
Sweat from my pores ? Benign! Why was allotted 
So great a harvest of affliction on me ? 
To probe me was it ? fathom me ? 

Dr, Cisner. We have all 

Our little share. 

Cappadoge. Us, intimate did Ferrer 

Preference for death, nor self-possession cultures. 

Dr. Cisner. Do supervise him, when despair he doth. 

Ferrer. Ah my wee baby — she — the child there— let 
Me to it. Sick ! My features to a hair. 
In her I dreamt the principles of the 
Escuela Moderna to perpetuate 
After I pass, but now it brings the guard up. — 
All hopes, all aspiration, all designing 
Collapse and cave in when grim death intrudes. 
All reasoning, calculating faulty seem 
When ills advance, — wherefore is this so ? 

Cappadoge. The doctor sa\s resigned become. 

Ferrer. Bid that 

The caged lemur angered. — Deep rage in me 
Typhooning thoughts that wrench my feelings, un- 
The lockport of my pentup grief, — ungate [wedge 
The eye's canal — a liquid fund must I 
Bestow my little one lies limp, but hounds 
That bay, they rump ! Doctor effort exert 
And rescue Tibi, I'll forego you all 
I ever sacrificed, only my Tibi 
Rescue from death. For if she ever succumb 
Lay me in lieu of her in sod, for I 
Deranged, distort, disturbed become have from 
Suspense and from despair. — Oh if, oh if. 
She will adieu of us — my grief cries frenzy — 
Hands ! change to mouth and prompt the deed of 

[suicide — 

43 



Ferrer. 



Ugarte. 
Ferrer. 
Guzman 
Ferrer. 
Guzman 



Head ! root thy hairs out and the hands become— 

Ferrer himself assault will — batter — torment-- 
CappadoGE. a knock. [knocking.} 

Villafranca. Footsteps ! 

Cappadoge. Quiet. 

Ferrer. Admit them sister. 

Cappadoge. Fiscal Ugarte with Inquisitor Guzman, 

Conceal thee brother. 

Open roof, no hiding. 

My sorrow are my stiength and educate me 

To bend stillettos. — 

\_Eni£r Ugarte and Guzman.] 
Residence of Ferrer r 

Pronounced. 

Francisco Ferrer ? 

So baptized. 

Pursuant to complaint of King Alphonso 

Obeissant to the warrant of ihe King 

From Madrid, by a writ of extradition 

Of court, and edgeing toward the Portuguese frontieT 

Suspicion so directed into Lisbon 

Fiscal and inquisitor, both of us 

With search empowered are — are come. 
Dr. Cisner. [to Villafrav,ca.) Inform me 

Of any change, if worse or better, — adieu 

Ferrer. 
Ugarte. {to Dr. Cisner ?i A tennant here ? 
Dr. Cisner. {gives card.) Physician, called m 

To treat a child of Ferrer. 
Guzman, {to Ugarte.) Intercept not. 

Go doctor. 
Dr. Cisner. {to Ferrer.) Bold a front Ferrer— farewell. {Exit.) 
Ferrer. Have freedom of 

My home scnors. 
Guzman. Kindly unlock the trunks 

The closets, drawers and the bookcases. 
Ferrer. Cappadoge here's the key, unveil the tabernacle, 
Ugarte. A servant.? 
Ferrer. No, but very serving, fiscal. 

As infant she upon her arms boie me. 

Support's still there when hairs the milk assume. 



44 



Guzman 
Ugarte 



Guzman. 



Ferrer. 



What yields the closet ? 

Circulars incriminative — 
Leaflets and pamphlets revolutionary — 
Lectures and addresses on anarchy 
Prepared in simple style for children's use. 
Confiscate these. We take occasion to 
Possess ourselves thereof in view of law 
That brook not matters intercessory 
Of public peace. 

And public peace, my senors — 

ViLLAFRANCA.[/^ ^«r/^] Search in the cradle ?— oh ignominy— 
I'm sure my child is innocent,— not cradles 
Nor graves with revolutions have a link. 

Ugarte. Rebels use innocence to mask their guilt with. 

ViLLAFRANCA. My child is very sick, compel me not. 
Asleep it is and I will not remove it. 

Cappadoge. The cradle nothing hides, and what it hides 
It nothing is. 

Ferrer, l^o Guzman'] The public peace, not anarchist 
Thereof the shatterer. The state itself 
By wars, by searches, executions, arrests, 
Carcel, impeachments, courtmarshials, browbeating, 
Duels, malfeasance, bribery, extortion, 
The public peace reduces. Government. 
Practicioner is of anarchy, my writing 
A challenge are to these. 

Guzman. Receipt for same. 

Not now, nor here the Cortes for debate. 

Ugarte. [«/ ^/le closet?^ Primers and readers here ! 

Guzman. Out with the set. 

Cappadoge. Oh senors have compassion — 

Ferrer. Chafe not sister. 

Guzman, \reading7] Accordingly the better policy, 
Is to inculcate into children, truths 
Axioms and precepts, percepts, theories 
Morahty. equality, fraternity 
The socialist doctrine to opportunize 
Access to social wealth, the wrongs of poverty 
How same to remedy. And in religion 
Teach prayer not, but mutual self-trust 
Develop mental faculties, so that 



45 



The young impressed retain it rather than 

On the matured, because they care-free are 

And will persist, agamst resistance, which 

When practiced, interruption pov erless is. 

The discontinuation, the same the program 

Of the Escuela Moderna 

Ugarte. Quite sufficient 

Documentary proof of treason. 
Vjllafranca. Give them not. 

Replace these books, for they are personality 
■ Of our property. ^tears some'] 

Guzman. We need the samples. 

Ugarte. [^reading-] "Louis the Sixteenth said: 'I am the state.' 

The people later showed him who the state was." 
Guzman. To the confiscatory and no conimentarie.s. 

The peninsula's with treason is secured. 

Open the album see thereof the contents. 

In homes of revolutionaries, walls, 

Wainscot and flooring treacherous matter hide. 

A book of verses written by Kerrer. 

[reads'] "Child of my hopes, for whom I hoped as a 
ViUarranca [child 

With whom I wandered in love's wayside wild 
Villafranca. 

Care-ss of my youth, whom I caressed as a youth 
Villafranca 

With whom I clung, as Noami to Ruth 
Villafranca. 

Delight of my fancy, whofe fancy mine delighted 
Villafranca 

Thy love my spirit's peace ever disquieted 
Villafranca. 
Ferrer. Any treason there ? 

Guzman. I do not think there is. 

Ferrer. My rival for her hand, he thought there was. 
Guzman. I blame him not. Fisrcal these to the cff^.ce. 
Villafranca. You never lovers were or this effusion 

Unconfiscated abode. 
Ugarte. Madam we are 

The agents only and seqnestrate what 

Distrust effects. Ferrer tomorrow be 



I 



46 



At the inquisition for examination. 
Cappadoge. My brothered, threatened — 

ViLLAFRANCA. And my child endangered. 

[ Exeunt 




4t 



ACT THE FOURTH 

LISBON IN THE INQUISITORIAL DISTRICT. 

Scene — An inquest in progress. Discovered at the opening of the 
act Inquisitor Guzman, Fiscal Ugarte, Prof. PaREIL;, 
El Vasa, Nunez, on the prosecution side; Galceran, 
Ferrer, Zorilla, and Student on the defence side. 
Violent discussion. 

Ugarte. Order in court ! I^is Honor Guzman speaks ! 

Guzman. Algerio Nunez, University trustee. 

Masonic Master of the Lisbon Masons, 
Sworn in will tell relations of Ferrer. 

Nunez. While trustee to my notice came the fact 
That Ferrer taught to students anarchy 
For this was he discharged. Thereafter heard I 
Of schools of his named Escuela Moderna 
Where to the young and children, licenseless 
The same he taught and with ii socialism 
And atheism not uncommonly. 
I believe the anti-militarist mobs 
By him directed were, for so I read. 
The Barcelona riots I was told 
His chef-de-ouvre also was. ' Twas said 
That books of his have led Morral to cast 
The bom.b at King Alphonso. And as Masors 
I must with bitterness confess, that Ferrer 
No deeper injury to Masonry 
Inflected has, than when jmprudent'y 
Its secrets to the public he divulged. 

Galceran. Student ascend the platform and tell 
If Ferrer lectured to you anarchy. 

Student. Exactly speaking lectures w-ere they not 

Not strictly speaking anarchistic Simply 
Ethics le^^al critique philosophical 
Running this wise; this extract I remember:- 
"Serves yet another use the rich the poor. 
Lest arrog mt the rich, — becoming poor 

43 



That arrogance knocked from its high chair is, — 
Or poor to riches soaring, thereby governed." 
Remarks of that class, but no anarchy. 

Galceran. The student amply proves the negative. 

The student as receipt of knowledge given 

Sufficient proves the opposite. Regards 

Masonic matters amply has been shown 

By Ferrer's affididavits, that as husband 

He could no secrets from his wife exclude, 

So he is not responsible, for what 

His wife, being inadvertent, in embroglio 

Enmessed him and avowed, what she should not. 

Ugarte. Professor Pareil on the stand ! Corroborate 

The statement made by honored trustee Nunez, 

Pareil. Endorsing Trustee Nunez, — sum and substance 
Of disposition filed, I do prefer. 
In university circles was it known 
That Ferrer's view antagonistic were 
To church and the thereof perpetuation. 
To state and the thereof systemic rule. 
It may be taken also, that reports 
Of Ferrer as the Delphic Oracle 
For socialists in general and anarchists 
In particular is not exaggerated. 
Further I know not. Personally though 
I have for him esteem, but, I believe 
In socialism little, less in anarchy. 

Galceran. Zorilla, an impartial \iitness will 

Step on the stand and tell, if Dr. Pareil 
Correct is in his statement. — 

Zorilla. Of Madrid and of Lisbon socialists 

And of Group K the anarchist fraternity 
I can declare, when Ferrer worked for me 
As secretary —that as far as I know — 
God- fearing was he unto orthodoxy 
Abhorring cant, hypocricy and violence. 
Groundless the charge and the indictment, [ 
For one will vouch, 

Guzman. Attest it under oath ? 

Zorilla. Unqualifiedly. 

Guzman. Resume your seat. 

49 



Galceran. No witness further,— I shall rest my case. 



Ugarte. 
El Vasa, 



Guzman. 



El Vasa 
Guzman. 



Ugarte. 
Ferrer. 



Guzman 

Omnfs. 

Ferrer. 



Ugarte. 
Guzman, 



I offer for a final witness El Vasa. 

'Twixt me and Ferrer difference exist 

And somewhat of animus.— So I'll say 

That charges in the colors as they are 

Presented here, no touching up require. 

'Tis quite true he preaches anarchy 

But doubt do I if he doth practice it. 

It's very true that communism is 

His favorite Hymn but not the church he v^'orship 

I and Ferrer each other understand 

That Morral's bomb was at Alphonso cast 

I skeptic am; I analyze it as 

The head of Ferrer but the hand of Morral. 

I think the Barcelona outbreaks were 

By Llarch incited but not by Ferrer. 

The socialists consider him an anarchist, 

The anarchists consider him a socialist, 

As much is he the both, as one the other. 

I thank you for the courtesy to testify. 

One moment. I et us know if Fener has 

According lo your knowledge principles 

That tend assumption cf the crime of treason 

Inimic to existing government. 

I cannot say so positively. 

Descend. 
Put Ferrer personally on the stand. 

[Ferrer is sworn in and is made lo sit in 
the witness chair. ^ 
C!erk raise the blinds, so sunshine can throw light 
Upon a genuine Spanish traitor. 
\^jumps at throat of Ugarte. Fiscal ! 

Redeem thosi? words, — unveil thii — ihis King's plot 
Of treason artificial. 

Order ! 

Separate them, [officials 
Raire not the blinds on traitors,-murder may- \J)art 
Not by the word of deed, but deed the word, {them 
Between a feigned and genuine Judas teach 
Distinction to you. 

Oh characterless— oh soulless — 
No dcnonstration, — none of this — forbearance ! 



50 



Ugarte. Bushwacking jaguar haunching for his prey— 
Of all the human frailties, treason, — hoary 
The head of trust because of thee. May I 
With awe draw nigh, as yonder Nemesis 
Of Justice, grace the chamber,— broke indeed 
The force of my appeal, the temple here 
Of right must tremble, — with what a rebuff 
Repels the trespasser the just apostle, 
With what remonstrance incriminative of 
Motives most Cannibal, thereof the savagery, — 
Fist mailed, the swing of the arm, cry of protest 
And the maniac finger-clutch to cowl into stillness 
The warning of the fiscal of the realm. 
Upon whom rests the burden of the proof. 
Guzman. Howso the impulse, — no exhibits of the same. 
GalCERAN. Untestified !— To hurl such immature insult ! 
Ugarte. Just my imperative. St-nor Estimados— 

The witnesses have proven that the arraigned— 

Indicted by the Education Ministry 

That he taught pupils anarchy; has been 

Inciter 'gainst, subvertor of the Law 

Advocate of Free Rule and of Free Love. Teeming 

Like vermin on the sand, the counts recite 

His multifarious violations. An 

Felonious demoralization is 

Mere mention of the traitor, Ferrer is 

The state's undomg,— let his arrant deeds 

His cuirass serve — what has been his defense ? 

Arouses he not protestations from 

The droop of placid censure,— the betrayer ! 

Reviewing we observe,— restrained at college 

His socialistic anarchy, he forms 

The Escuela Moderna,— what his policy 

But the wide swathe of swashbuckling anarchy 

A primer in a school. The question is 

Shall we permit a school for rearing, training 

Arnolds and Judases, short circuiting 

Administrational functions, jeopardizing 

Lives, rights, security, citizenship inviolate 

Of those entitled ? Against the State's levee 

Ferrer restrictions dambs butting to dike 

Destruction toward and beneath the shirgle 

51 



Guzman. 



Ferrer. 



Guzman. 

Ferrer. 

Guzman. 

Ferrer. 

Guzman. 
Ferrer. 

Guzman. 
Ferrer. 



Of the Escuela Moderna cloaks the ware 
Of contraband patriotism for the which 
Traitor-suspect, the Inquisition probes him. 
Ferrer,— how comes this ? You that peerless stal- 
That under seal to Masons troth to keep [wart 

Whom bribe and hush-money immaculate found 
Could not his plumes assemble, nor float buoyant 
Above temptation's breakers — you the Shriner 
Reliant men looked to, to telescope 
Confidence in a gulch ? Professor Ferrer. I — 
• An opportunity will give you, to 
Prove preference of anarchy over law, 
Failing in which, treason remains the charge, 
Because the anarchist to Law is treason, 
Incredible to us, that Law could be 
Made to yield land in favor of Free Rule,— 
State, as a witness, Ferrer, why and what 
Objection you against the law possess. 
Requested information. I reply — 
Law, to my mind, is an abstract concept 
Of the formula designed the Golden Rule. 
Law too, may be considered, morslly 
Conduct compelled. As such Law is defective. 
Compulsion for reaction breeds indifference, 
Indifference a recklessness begets, 
Therefore compulsion fosters recklessness. 
But recklessness anticipates destruction 
Compulsion consequently means destruction, 
Which is against the freedom of the will, 
Against a social stability. 
Allowing leeway to your negative answer — 
Objection other than compulsion state. 
On right of people an infringement— one. 
Involve not rights of one, another's wrong ? 
Opinion being a view-point of the mind — 
The wrongs of one man are another's rights. 
Then that's the task of law — to right the wronged ? 

It is, were it not wronging rights. Law's dual 

For, when it rights the wronged it wrongs the right. 
Heard have you that two sides there is to law. 
Law I have studied is even polygenic. 



52 



Guzman. 
Ferrer. 

Guzman. 

Ferrer. 

Guzman. 

Ferrer. 

Guzman. 

Ferrer. 

Guzman. 

Ferrer. 

Guzman. 

Ferrer. 



Guzman. 
Ferrer. 



Ugarte, 
Guzman. 

Ferrer. 

Ugarte. 
Galceka] 



Th:; function of the Law is to protect. 
The sheltering guardian oft defenceless proves. 
For while the law defends the law offends. 
To force the law resorts rights to insure. 
So also anarchy if these are menaced 
The fear for law curbs instincts base and fatal 
Death feared for from an anarchist, — the same. 
Prohibitive law the characterless restricts. 
Restraint reforms not them, — mud grows no roses. 
Still to the misled — law is guardian. 
But only biblical the good Samaritan, 
The government as a people, laws enact 
Governing themselves — is not the State the Law ? 
No. Government a person's right submerge; 
All personal rights fall forfeit to the State. 
The State's a person hypothetical, — 
The citizen, the basis of the state, 
A social government is in himself. 
The Personal Ego is the timber of 
The government, — the Law that Ego's masting. 
By efforts herculean less than seldom 
Against a statute law, persons prevail. 
A person is de facto Law materialized; 
The person is the Law and not the State. 
But peisons vary often have collisions, — 
It's then the lawyers come, not anarchists. 
I supposed myself a witness, but I see — 

[wants to leave the witness-chair, 
but is in fanned to remain ] 
Continue on the stand. 

Professor Ferrer 
Do you believe that theories need practice ? 
Does legal practice theory predicate 
When every second moon laws are repealed ? 
Answer not questions wiih questions 
I. Flash for flush- 

Bother on axioms ! \jo Ferrer] Avoid admission 
That you are anarchist, as from hyenas 
Slink from this declaration.— for to death 
They're racing to convict you. Here and there 
Fall in f jr me and signal. 



53 



Ugarte. 

Guzman. 

Ferrer. 
Guzman. 
Ferrer. 
Ugarte. 

Ferrer. 
Ugarte. 
Ferrer. 

Ugarte. 
Ferrer. 
Guzman. 

Galcera 
Guzman, 



Ferrer. 



Guzman, 

FSKREli. 

Guzman 
Ferrer. 



Conform to court-rule 
And answer the Supreme Inquisitor. 
On the assumption that the law's imperfect 
What remedy have you then ? 

Nullum legem. 
The doctrine "No law" is'nt t hat a law ? 
No; "No law is no law." 

Allow the question-- 
Dont bodies ever need a head to rule them ? 
No. Body-organs automatic move. 
■ At least a ship she should a captain have. 
The sailors have a captain not the ship 
And they the vessel work, the captain dont. 
Well he directs. 

Directing her wont move her. 
\to G a leer an ] 

Don't interpose now, the- tribune has prerogative. 
N. Such grilling gruelling — 

No interposing, — 
Ferrer turn here, why just commence reflecting. 
Beached and m limbo, fogbound, and marocned 
Your ship of mind must be, law to deny. 
HiUucinations ! There may not be a God 
But by God, thsre is law, — people want justice. 
Because unable, the involved themselves 
To disentangle, — law the pilot then. 
Take notice of this fact, though frequently 
Blunder the law will, subject it becomes 
To rectification. L.et me quiz you there — 
Is not tae theory of the law prevention 
Of errors, faults, and subsequent detection 
The punishment meted out— to bridle in 
Those motives that infractions banquets on ? 
Pretences, — whims! The Law cannot prevent 
Assauk or theft or murder,— these prevail 
Through circumstance, heredity, environment^ 
Vice, poverty, motive and ignorance. 
If not prevent it, it can regulate it. 
But regulating it, prevent it wont. 
The perpetrator though, the Law does punish. 
Good teachers nevcj hit a pupil bad. 



54 



All punishments but strike at the effect. 
Science and education tackle causes. 
Besiege the cause and the effect surienders. 

Guzman. Ths punishment, preventing repetition, 

.Assuages the outraged and the aggrieved 
Damage awarded or a fine exacted. 
Else servitude in jail, — felons grow scarce. 

FERkER. Statistics, crime on the ascendant prove; 

For one the Law hauls up, thousands duck by. 

GuZxMAN. The cheat, embezzler, gambler, and the perjurer, 
The forger, fakir, rogue, cadet, — if Law 
These did not muzzle, — society would crash. 

Ferrer. The law these never will metamorphose. 
The alcholic sips in the name of Law, 
A license on the wall, — the gambler riots; — 
Bat if the children of this sort of folks 
Be educated out of it — ah then 
Grown into manhood, character possessed, — 
Such evils have attained their dying day ! 
Hence the deep use of the Escuela Moderna. 

Ugarte. Narrate the tribune, a scientific cause 

Satisfying the judge, in the charge of treason drawn, 
Of a fault at law, so the Inquisitor 
Record it can — 

Galceran. Under advisement Guzman, 

I here protest — 

Ugarte. Our object is to elicit 

The theories of Ferrer, whether they 
Against the Rule of Codes, running countertide, — 
Any anachy enta.l; for very faith 
Alliance human here are discemented; 
What trust secrets entails, base treason snaps 
The chain fraternal, confidence revealed 
Make incommunicado very bourse, 
Uuwifes the husband, disbrothers and dissisters; 
Trade's bonds dissolving and on the government 
A cloudburst doth descend a thunderclap 
And a discredit stuns and gives the deathblow. 
Oh how the scene is shocking, where the traitor 
Trust's mission, in the vitals gores ! 

Guzman. Sustained ! 



55 



Produce the literary evidence. 

[ The books of Ferrer are brought mio court 
and Ugarte and Galceran each select 
them for citation.'] 

Galceran. On motion and exception: — Please record 

What Ferrer means is, — Law's evaded solely 

Because ot habit, becoming mechanical 

And second nature, some of it's foregone 

In the routine way, — not anarchy his choice, 

As a replacement legal. Let me cite 

From his "Critique on Law": — "Law principle lacks 

It will the traitor to the garrot ferry, 

But when state's evidence the traitor turns. 

The state approves him, — hypocritic is 

That law that Janus — like itself inverts 

Subsidizing honor." Who but the misinformed 

Will anarchy construe this book as ? 

Ugarte. Not this 

Between the lines ! Between the lines, Ferrer 
Bares scalp. I'll quote the opposite: — "The anarch- 
Use threats and fear of death a menace to [ist 
The official officer." Quite another cow. 
"The anarchists distracts the populace, 
Inducing debates and the mterpretation 
Of legal issues, definitely the task 
Of courts — that way court function alienating 
Which undermined, lose recognition with 
The end that courts of law will vanish, and 
Anarchy supplant the bench." Here's where the 
Pops ceilingward, — the author in the end [cork 
Steps out before the curtain. 

Galceran. Oh dramatic ! {applauds'\ 

But doesnt this stepping forward of the actor 
Betray the role of the betrayer } 

Ugarte. Sarcasm 

Uncalled for, nor in place. More so I shall 
Prove Ferrer anarchist in chapters other. 
"Law ! ' runs his pen — "Law — change position once, 
Your jurist seems defender-prosecutor ! 
Not judge, nor jury twelve, attorneys millions 



56 



The children of the evil-minded can 

Reform or alter — anarchy alone ! 

All legal violation cease with schools ! 

Inspectors draw from violation salaries 

Seeking to check the flux of an evolving 

Rushing humanity, — erratic men ! 

The law would murder stop by murdering 

As if two wrong had ever made one right 

From anarchy the Law, shall learn law 

Fall at its feet and crave apology 

And noble anarchy will pardon Law." 

Guzman, Generosity surcharged. 

Galceran. This proves no anarchy 

And therefore treason neither. I maintain 
Tnat Ferrer, neither advocated, nor does 
In books of his, law argue. Understood 
Becomes he only as a neutralist. 
Philosopher legal. To substantiate: 
"Beached is the Law ! Where certain clients are 
The losers, there the others are the gainers. 
This is injustice to the losing parties 
Ranks law with the vicissitudes of gamblers, 
Against Lavoisier demonstrations being, — 
•Nothing in nature's lost* — and here loss is. 
The boodler, grafter, lobbyist, and ringster 
We teachers term legal anarchists. 
Surely embarrassment because of mislaw 
Inheritance our children, we'd deny." 

Ugarte. And this is neutral writing ? what is this then ? 
Concerning Law Ferrer has this to say: 
"See to what prowess fiendish, blaring strain 
The citizen must the statute-masoned state-laws, 
Wade through, dry passage to establish ! Rule 
Howso it mild may be, still it is rule. 
A national law established, finds a state 
An opposite law enact and that same state-law 
Is sheared to flimses by a city ordinance, 
Which counties and which boroughs further scissor, 
The cry of anarchists is--'Decimation 
Of Law right on up to the vanishing point !' 
And justihed they were. What then inference ? 

57 



Guzman. 



Ferrer. 
Ugarte. 
Ferrer. 

Ugarte. 
Ferrer. 



Teach principles of legal jurisprudence 

From anarchist conception in the Escuela." 

A new neutral writer ! Anarchist per se, 

From shin to gum, — an acid-neutral penman ! 

Books prove as well as disprove The Tribune 

Is by his magic pen enigmaed. Let me personally 

Engage the prisoner. 

Suppose two men to a difference arrive. 
A third appears to intercept the clashing. 

The deadlocked pair resentment show the arbiter. 
"Their common peril the umpire concedes. 

No hide is tough enough but leathcrable. 

Then, there is Law — the intervening law. 

The intervener is a Man, — not law. 

Though you interpolate perhaps, saying that. 

Law here is used, — begi^ing the question — that. 

To anarchist, the man's above the law, 

This Law will eiffe) law above the man. 

The anarchist sermoning repeal 

Of federalism, centro-directorate, 

Ushers above the Law the man. As is 

To-day the System, — Law is above the Man. 

The anarchist conception is — Man first, 

Law afterwards, or chances none at all. 

Grant the disputers' tolerance of the umpire- - 

Suppose the intervener is incompetent. 

The Ferrer schools will train his children then. 

Besides incompetents dont intervene. 
Galceran. [to Ferrer:] Use strategy, they're vicious to convict 
Guzman. Order and system is universal law. [you. 

And yet necessity doth know no law. 

Self-preservation is nature's first great law. 

"Women and children first" the slogan in panics. 

All persons equal are before the law. 

The love of mother for her child no law knows; 

Nor knows the broken heart a law for solace. 

The ten commandments, God's laws are inviolate. 

Descending Sinai, Moses broke them since. 

New tablets from the Deity re-issucd. 

"Thou shalt not" not the flag of civilization. 

Law negative repealed, proving inadequate 



Guzman. 



Ferrer. 



Ferrer. 
Guzman. 
Ferrer. 
Guzman. 
Ferrer. 

Guzman, 
Ferrer. 
Guzman 
Ferrer. 



58 



Guzman. 
Ferrer. 
Guzman. 
Ferrer. 



Guzman. 



Ferrer. 



Guzman. 



Otheis replacing, what success were they ? 

Old lav^s being bad, new ones worse than the old — 

What need at all of law,— better anarchy, — 

The Rule of No-Law. Flawless our laws,— 

When even the government itself has been 

The sued and sueing,— Men !— not laws are needed. 

You then for Law would substitute the Man. 

Exactly senor. 

Then would not man be law ? 
He would be Man, not Law. To call a chair 
A table,— does not ftbel it, but people 
A table call a table, chair a chair. 
The anarchist fits law into the man, 
The government fits man inro the law, 
A difference in timber, not in pitch. 
A stolen thunder, for no one applauds. 
Have not Ferrer that vague enthusiasm 
The human race can progress without Law. 
The bullet the administrator killing 
Will haunt the chair and the successor harry. 
The thunder, lightning, planets, cindered asteroids. 
The hissing cobra and the hyacinth 
Not a blind impulse govern,— laws control. 
The compass, icicle, potential spiral, 
The veriest amoeba, spirogyra. 
Laurel and holly and the smiling daisy. 
All laws obey peculiar to their nature. 
There can no more be lawless anarchy 
Than intellectual lunatics honest swindlers. 
Were anarchy to rule, were there no law. 
Murder on every corner were the scene. 
Murders we have, even though we have the law. 
War, homicides, executions, suicides. 
Unbandage once your eyes— Oh God, nor let 
Your zeal for law mistake this lawlessness. 
No gospel wanted. Anarchy.— for shame ! 
With what security can an official 
Perform his duty if his predecessor 
Was murdered in his seat, what safety his } 
Not fear, but trust and love the social tie ! 
Their leaders preach destruction of the status 



59 



Of honored marriage, substituting paramouri^m 

Mormonic promiscuity, a kind 

Of "Jimmie have one" Latin Quarter canned. 

From mental aberration suffer anarchists. 

I always did believe more lunatics 

Outside asylum walls exist, than m. 

Ferrer. Apology judge, — bias and prejudice this. 

In the state of anarchy, man's mind shall be 

So perfect, so developed, that what seems 

Improper and immoral temporarily 

Be perfect, moral and congenial. 

Yes, fear has power, but not fear preach we. 

Love, — rather our totem; prostitution 

Of wedded life not, but sexo-platonization; — 

Freedom in choice and will in matters feminine, 

1 likewise do believe, that luatics 

Are on the outside of asylums more 

Than inside. — I however as a teacher 

No anarchist member am, only so know them. 

Galceran. The defendant anarchy repudiates. 

Ugarte. Just one more question Ferrer. Tell Judge Guzman 
Of the Inquisition, — a proxy for the Law. 

Ferrer. Man and immortal love of Man foi Man. 

Education and Non rule. Waiver, estoppel 
Habeas corpus, nunc pro tunc, ejusdem, 
Referendum, vicavoca, quo warranto. 
Veto, ex-parte, pardon, dictum orbiter. 
Courtesy, mandamus, ex-post-facto, escheat, 
Appeal, petition, ccrtiori, probation, 
Autonomy, — these anarchy has wrested 
From stern law, a triumph of its rights. 

Ugarte. Oh you know law then, — honestly we think 
You'd make a better lawyer than a teacher. 

Guzman. The witness may descend. 

{^Ferrer steps down to his attorney's side and sits. 
At this time a telegram is brought in by a Gend- 
arme and Guzman and Ugarte consult on it.\ 

Guzman & Ugarte. [teading telegram.] 

"From Manuel and Alphonso: have Ferrer 
Comnitted to the torture, thence courtmartialed 
For death instruct. Fell Portugal ? so, lest 

60 



Ere Spain prostrates, give Ferrer the hereafter 
Bourbon-Braganza's hazard, — Guilty or no, 
Urge treason as the charge, this buttress will 
The prestige fair of Spain toppling in attitude 
The throne encleat, nationality legacy." 
Signed King Alphonso, ex-king Manuel. 

Galceran. {^jverhcaring them] Conspiring message ! preconcert- 
To waylay and to trap. Colors play whist [edpl^t, — 
Upon the fiscal's features. {tothem'\ Staked against 
Agents of plunder, whip and snap in hand 
The cob bay pants and stalks, hoofing is lost. 
His fate is wired you —cleats you c; nt hold. 
Ferrer is charged with treason— its a charge 
Manufactured, to eliminate the accused 
Beciuse of his influence, I now maintain. 

Guzman. Cooper your statements, — in contempt ol court 
I'll hold you, Galceran, else. 

GalCeran. Your charge is treas( n 

But treason's not the charge — this dredge shows up 
A midnight conference — Alphonso with 
Manuel tete a tete, — a telegram 
Ferrer must die — oh you dispose not that way — 
Revelation sneers at custom. For what use 
Debate resorted ? Was it to extort 
Admission that Ferrer was anarchist, 
Substantiating the charge of treason, thereby 
Ensure death-sentence ? Tooth and nail, if nttccd, 
Shall I this plot contest. Entirely 
Illicit the engagement. Failed the fiscal 
Has in the matter of convincing that 
Ferrer an anarchist is, the court, nor has 
State's evidence turned turtle nohow. I charge 
Royal conspiracy, a canard from 
The canaille Canalejas, aced-up, slippedin. 
An artificial treason. — I shall show 
Your treasonous edge wants sandpaper— As teacher 
Ferrer, from modern books on law and science 
Deduced curricula children to train. 
If socialism offered opportunities 
For betterment, he taught in primer-fashion 
The Escuela Moderna, pupils. First 

61 



To minors, that which cultures them, in preference 

To wordly adults, is the rather so; 

Them taught he herb and bush, the mammoth tre® 

Those in estate of manhood can proportion 

These gospelled only, to protest despUs. 

If laws in vogue, exhibited, as he 

Detected had an anarchistic trait, 

Or anarchy itself value possessed, 

He drew from that a civics, gave the children 

The gist and essence, summum bonum nd 

The sine que non of anarchy. But Ferrer 

Treason to children never lisped a syllable 

Teachers extract from everything progressive 

However uncongenial to convention. 

If engineering laws discovered, — Ferrer 

Incorporated them in physics. If 

Explorers, navigators aught unearthed 

He made their narratives geography, — 

The same as state historians embody 

National events in common school histories. 

If economists and sociologists 

Give anarchy and socialism study 

In university — why not in the Escuela ? 

Guzman. But children no discrimination have 

As to the pro and con, chaff and the wheat. 

GalCERAN. It's true, but teachers have; besides these train 
Thereby and so discrimination teach. 

Ugarte. Let Galceran explain. We knowledge have 

That Ferrer housed with proscribed anarchists. 

Galceran. This did he merely for experience. 
The modus operandi of these folks 
He could not grasp unless he elbowed with them. 
Nor sects nor groups ol theirs did he once join. 

Ugarte. In his newspaper the "Nueva Humanidad" 
He advocated tutorial syndicism. 

Guzman. Evidence irrelevant. 

Ugarte. Contested. Here is proof 

That Ferrer teachers anarchy did broach. 
An editorial: "Teachers should be free 
From rule of principle and from commissioner. 
Responsibility is rule enough. 

62 



A teacher need not in the Ferrer schcoi 
Exactly be a pedagogue, he should 
Be cosmopolitan; have had experience 
In social life, domestic and financial, — 
A person liberal and independent. 
Be amateurishly professional." 
GalCKRan. Judge Guzman, Ferrer by this syndicism 
Meant teachers who would not be harried 
By boards of education, or by trustees. 
Self-standing individuals, linked together. 
Fathers themselves of children,— independent 
Alone and staunch, — as such be syndicated. 
Exempt each teacher in the Ferrer school 
From Law to be, — one requisite desired 
Sympathy for pupil, love for teaching. Subjects 
Like chemistry should be by chemist taught, 
Physiology by physician, civics by 
Attorney-at-law, by engineers arithmetic, — 
By architect drawing. 
Pareil. Were my comment had 

I would inform the Inquisitor, — Ferrer 
Advantage has, the court not in possession. 
I do regret Judge Guzman's not conversant 
On pedagogic-psychologic problems. 
But Ferrer is. Because you're honor's not 
There can no cross-examination be as to. 
It does not matter. We are lawyers. We 
Can handle Ferrer, even if we have 
To break the bones of the very body of law. 
Not of the Law professor,— Ferrer is. 
Here is the issue law, — not pedagogy. 
Has your honor read the psychology of Law ? 
Why is there such a subject in existence ? 
Psycho-legal jurisprudence,— so called. 
Ugarte & Omnes. The Psychology of Law ! ? 

[ TA^ biquisition divides itself into two sections 
those for Spanish government, the others for 
Ferrer, and a noisy harangue ensues. Law 
Books, decisions, and digests are quoted at 
random and mutual conferences are held. 
After which — ] 
Guzman. The psychology of law, legal psychology 

Can have no weight with us, — Resuming inquest, — 



Guzman. 



Pareil. 

Guzman. 

Pareil. 

Guzman, 



63 



Fitrrer — I fail from brief and evidence 
To gather truth about thy ventures v^hich 
The inquisition tribune classifies 
As treason to the state. Accordingly 
The truth in quest for. the law resorts unto 
The principle of torture, to which thou 
Thyself subject nt^ust, so the truth can be 
By pain and torment out of thee elicited 
Sentence, or freedom thereupon depending. 

Galceran. After my battling for him, — such defeat ! 

[ The scene changes to a subtert anean gloomy crypt, 
leading and showing door to torture apartment. 
All characters remain as witnesses during the 
change. While the scene is cha7i^ing El Vasa 
has masked himself and Ferrer appears dressed 
in a sanbenito,'] 

Ugarte. File in senors and witnesses. 

Guzman. Step forward. 

Ferrer. Already in the crypt ! How rapid fly 
The hours of suspense — 

Ugarte. \^to those within.'] Test clamp and trestle 

Garuchas. cxaleras, balestilla. 
The scrapers and the peelers and abrasers 
Oil up— the subject is at hand. 

Guzman. Ferrer 

Thou art about to be to torment put 
Lest fear, in sight of torture out of thee 
Confession false elicit, better best 
Ahead of time confess and confess truly. 
Tell us the truth, about thee, tell the truth 
Or die in torment for the sake of truth. 

Ferrer. Inquisitor Guzman and Fiscal Ugarte 

Sworn witnesses on my side told the truth. 
What other Fd declare falsehood it were 
And subornation ministers to perjury. 
In plain, I advocated liberal measures 
Political reform, voilence only 
When pacifying conciliation failed, — 
Might when right's denied. I cannot senors 
Subordinate my followers unto 
My views and methods, and will not b« held 
Accountable for them. I affirm again 

64 



GUZMVN. 

Ferrer. 



Guzman. 

UGAkTE. 

Pareil. 

Nunez. 

El Vasa. 

Ugari E. 

Guzman. 

Pareil. 

Ugartk. 

Ferrer. 

All. 

Ferrer. 

Guzman. 



My faith in Lincoln's 'of, for. by the people." 

I believe in governmental decimation 

The referendum, Jacksonian rotation, 

The Jfifferson government of the least, 

The Parisian coup-de-etat— take this for truth. 

Believe and taught belief to train the young 

In social science, economic laws. 

That's also truth. I never threw a bomb 

At King Alphonso, — I never yet did head 

An army of tramps, have, not unto my knov;ledge 
Burnt convents, people shot or struck officials,— 

Nor of the charge of treason guilty am. 

Once more you're warned, given opportunity 
To tell the truth before we torture thee. 
Nor Mallorquin nor Valladores thy 

Progenitors coerce me can to cowardice. 

Chmge truth to falsehood let my enemies. 

I frown at you for I am innocent. 

No quemadero ashen can my faith 

What's law to you. to me ex-legus is. 

Toledo and Valladolid dont scare me. 

Confess a lie and live ? best death, but truth ! 

Who led the riots — 

Barcelona strikers- 
Taught students anarchy- 
Betrayed the Masons — 

Divorce suit started — 

Threw a bomb — ignited — 

Shot Llarch at Masnou — 

Half Praeniia — 

Burned ? 
As innocent as lilies on the field — 
Hear! hear 1 

Oh well the rather that he snaps 
In iron trap, what chance for him— a fugitive ? 
Endure the torment and we then shall crov n 
The thought in us— that thou art innocent. 
So will we say the prong and thumbscrew are 
But icons on the wall to tickle infants. 
Still, in precaution, lest thou die, do we 
While to the torment you are given up— 



65 



Inform thee, make thy peace and make thy will. 

Ferrer. Guzman hast said. — In the name of God — amen ! 

yakes a position on an elevated platform, facing 
them. Galceran takes out a will blank and 
writes as Ferrer speaks?^ 
Of sound mind and of body, seeing soon 
My end approach and fearing the Supreme 
Into whose presence I must make debut 
I do declare this my last will and testament. 
I do appoint Doctor Portet and Torral 
My executors, that they my body bury 
After I die and from the sum expressed 
Herein, defray expenses. I bequeath — 

Student. Cheerful to the end ! 

ZORILLA. Be stoic. 

Galceran. Dictate, I copy. 

Ferrer. Devise my property, bonds, leases, rrortgages, 
Assigned unto my executors be. 
I do bequeath my manuscripts and library 
To the Valencian publisher M. Perez. 
My residence and homestead I bequeath 
And all reversioners and remainder-men 
By deed of gift unto my wife and children. 
And all my personalty, my jewelry. 
My minerals, my pedagogic works 
My cash pesetas, all to be by law 
Subject herein to persons so designed: 
My sister Cappadoge. my brother Jose — 
My daughter Trinidad and Paz and Tibi, 
The bank account on their name be transcribed. 
From Ernestine Meunier my benefactress 
The annuities thereof to children indigent 
And teacher's salaries in the Escuela 
Moderna — same attested and i^ubscribed to. 
I leave my theories of anarchy 
And socialist philosophy reminiscience 
Unto my judges — leave my Villafranca 
Unto the custody of — 

El Vasa. \aside?^ Leave a blank 

The option's auctioned. 
Ferrer. Guardian ad litem 

66 



ZORILLA. 

Student. 

Galceran 
Pareil. 

Nunez. 

Galceran 

Ugarte. 

Guzman. 



El Vasa. 



Senor Augusto — leave my youngest — Tibi — 
Allotment fixed during life — or dying — to — 
Revert to those descending — lineal issue — 
Direct of Tibi's — 

Ferrer falters — 

Drops 
Dictating — 

Is OYcrcome — 

Collapscs-- 

Faints ! 
Unsigned the will and discontinued — 

None 
The less, into the tormentory ! 

Nor 
This cowering, quailing credit. 

{^Ferrer is led out. Exeunt ail except El Vasa.l 
Caught within 
The clutch of law ! Assures his doom. — Is strapped,- 
Unto the garrot, — tied his hands are — nuns 
Exhort him. "Tell the truth !" he suffers — screams 
As the tormentor's ram him — lash him. — "I'm 
Of treason innocent !" they lacerate him 
They thunder "Truth" he scorns their questions,-blue 
His face — they torture him — his death assures — 
His Villafranca mine-- 

[Enter Villafranca in mourning S\ 

— Ha ! of a sudden — 
Breaks from control of them — rushes in — frenzied — 
[Excitement within and Ferrer s screaming heard.'] 
\_Re-enter Ferrer followed by all. Consternation^ 
Let be — oh — let me be — torment not. — Ere 
I die — I'll end my will— "Unto my Tibi 
Bequeath I — 
Villafranca. Ferrer, — titleless the legacy 

Thy Tibi's mother is, — earth. 

Ha ! then — she's part- 
My dream was true. And in woe's realm this [ed ? 
No limitation has. 

Relate the truth ! 
Or ceasing torment, treason we conclude. 
Death-sentence following. 

Ha, ha ! And would ye 

67 



Ferrer. 



Ferrer. 



Guzman, 



Ferrer. 



Ugarte. 

ZORILLA. 

Ferrer. 



Guzman. 



Ferrer. 



Guzman, 



The truth of me ? then hear it from my will ! 

\_sezzes will from Gale er an and writes 7\ 
"Disaster, ruin and catastrophy 
I leave my torturers, an heirloom, all 
My torments — leave the earthquake that engulfed 
Lisbon and buried a nation in — 
A liquid churchyard, — them, surviving me." 
Irrational, — inordinate. 

Allusion 
Heroic — to their countenance ! 

— "Leave them feeling 
Of blind men stumbling in imagination 
Against the idea of a stone and fall 
Not falling.'* 

Swerve to reason and confess. 
The Holy Inquisition broods and shudders 
At what involves it. 
{rising suddenly and assuming a denunciatory 

tone, will in hand.'] 
My will is my confession — willed ! confessed ! 
For every clamp twist I bequeath ye flood wrecks — 
For every disjointment — cataclysm ! 
Inherit my convulsions from your torments 
My child's bereavement and thf agony 
It me has vised in ! And furthur I devise — 
Bequeath these theories my beneficiaries: — 
"When madly hungry we're socialists — 
And atheists become if wronged our rights ! 
Life's ceaseless torments anarchists make of us. 
But tyrants we. when for the truth we're martyrs ! 
Willed and assigned and donored by Ferrer, — 
To tragic life and tragic death be heir !" 

{^Attempts to affix his signature but falls 
unconscious in Villaftancas arms.'] 
Two calificadores will convey 
Prisoner Ferrer to Montjuich fortress. — Part. 
[Exeunt.] 



i 




66 



ACT THE FIFTH 



BARCELONA. 



Scene. — The yard and military works of Monijnich Fortress St. 
Eula/ia moat at back of stage were convicts are shot. 



Guard. 

Soldi FR. 
Guard. 



Soldier. 



Guard. 



Soldier. 



Five by the sun ! 

All's well. 

Latch the portcullis — 
And the postern swing wide. — 
In the sun dressed for the day ? 

Long since, but drowsy 
His eyes and cloudy and a mist enshrouds 
His golden face. 

Suck up and dry up blood 
Of one, must he— Frar.cisco Fener's. This 
Doth melancholy heaven make and all 
Creation mournful, — the sun's distressed. 
What was his crnne ? 

Court-martialed and condemned 
He, an abuttment of conventions, did 
Erect, and on dominion there a-topped 
Political riot, education — anarchy 
Stepped on the trail of lady customage, 
The damozel tripping, so much so, her caste 
Took cornice-umbrage, leermg biased prejudice, 
Deeming the Alps a landsliding on them 
Themselves behmd a coded fortress shelter 
Enmantle and cowl in. And he the marked one ! 
The victim, stead of lawn of calisthenics 
Beneath his buckskin fir.ds to abyss him 
In Montjuicb, all his strain — and no condonment — 
Escape plugged up, the exits that he citadelled 
Maroone him for the whale. His efforts have, 
He overstepping somewhat civiljimits 
The path of glory strown with rosemaries 
For caws to peck at. Bells ! they toll the hour 
Of the execution. — Relatives arrive. 



69 



The bluefinch on this crimson morning bushels 
His bill beneath his plume for he's aggrieved. 

Guard. Retain this key, I go to guard the moat. 

{^Enter Cappadoge.] 

Cappadoge. Soldier — is this Montjuich ? Is here the site 
My brother Ferrer will be shot — oh tell me — 
It is, yes, yes, thou tellest me. Ah morning 
Be not a bailee to the fleeting day 
Gray in the loan of light and aim of rifle 
Obscure in markmanship. Would that the day 
Not from the mornmg grew and halt the event 
Of execution. ViUafranca has 
Not heard of this, — inform her how shall I ? 
Or should I not ? I will and yet I will not. 
As sailless ships unsighted at the beach 
Like flotsam neither midway float I. Whether 
Tell her, or tell her not. Do, soldier kind 
Accompany me to my brother Ferrer. 

Soldier. Shortly brought forward will he be, — One of 
His council is at hand. 

S^Enter Galcera-n.'] 

Oh in blest season 
Lawyer Galccran ! — save him, if saved he can 
Be from fatality. 

GalCEran. Exhausted seem 

The means of even an appeal, when martial 

The civil law supplants, — there'b no reprieve 

Nor an iota of suspense. Claimed 'tis 

By Spanish statutes guaranteemg peace 

To government, authority and law, 

Ferrer, transported, no security. 

Ere I could document or evidence 

Submit — they had me muzzled, nozzled him. Was 

Civilian justice foiled and so dehled ! [ever 

The definition of treason tallies not 

With operations of Ferrer, who merely 

With revolutionist did sympathize 

While at the state in revolt led were figures 

Divergent from Ferrer. But all for zero 

I argued — argued. Clemency executive 

Alphonso has denied. Upon the point 

70 



Of breakdown am I. 

\_Enter El Vasa7\ 
El Vasa. Senor Galceran 

Ferrer is doomed. A telegram received 
Warns worst and worst an outlook. — I do hope 
Some leniency work. Though in severe 
And nasty straits he and myself engaged 
1 he danger that his life doth menace, while 
I stood a tiger on his path of love — 
Now my concern rouses for him. What 
Say you the ultimatum is. 
GalCERAN. Sadsome, sir. 

I grow delirious so much has been 
My mental strain — proof he is guilty — proof! 
The fiscal thundered — out of rule our plea. 
Cappadoge. My brother Ferrer — kill him will ihey ? What 
Can I his sister offer ? Oh how spare him } 
How aid him ? free him ? 
El Vasa. \aside\ It behooves on me 

At a respected distance this to witness — 
I wish no murder to the worst of me. 
C.\PPADOOE. Some remedy, some balm for him — 
Galcepan. Even 

The Lord himself is powerles'?. when rule 
The powerful by misrule. Was he tried 
Impartially ? what charivari and 
Fiasco the courtmartial, — a mock-trial 
Condemned ere tried,— sentenced before conviction- 
Slain first, then judged. 

\^EnterZflrilla^^ 
ZoRiLLA. Disordered I appear 

In time — derapgement but pregnant with event 
1 hat touch our leader, Galceran. — The tyrant 
Not yet the knife has lifted, ere he doth 
Tne move m ly palsy him — I was Ferrer's secretary 
In the Workman's Socialist Lodge, there one good 
Repaid itself another. Have been told [deed 

Of ail his tribulations. Hush— a seciet ! 
We go to see Alphonso. — Several anarchists 
Have drawn a petition, chance there lurks 
For Ferrer's rescue. \^Exit 

Cappadoge. Samaritan vanished. 

71 



Haste nimbly urge thee for thy errand's. 
Th« angel kindness flit us quickly by 
Cold worldliness abides. 
Galcefan. Let disbelief 

In the hour of doubt believed be. — Almost fast 
The close upon the drop is. Great ard huge God 
Thy dispensation confidence ne'er shook 
The need of it as now — alas and sadsome. 
See hither, learnmg's barge dissailed, across 
Departure's rugged beach drifts past. For us — 
Survivors grieved, as heaves the doon the bar 
The taking leave upon this shore is final, 
Till here, we part to meet, perhaps in heaven 
We meet to part no more, at least I hope so. 
Soldier. The platoon is marching, kindly yield the road. 
CappadoGe. It is Ferrer — Francisco— how crestfallen I 
His escort not — his shadow — Villafranca — 

\_EnUr General Campo, a cordon of soldiers, a 
chaplain, Ferrer in convict's garb is led in 
by a gendarme, behind him Villafranca. 
Behind him — oh let's beg him sister-in-law — 
Villafranca. \_falling on her knees to Campo 1 

Before thee Governor. Honorable Campo — 
She, who's a mother and a wife — 
Cappadoge. [falling on her knees also to Campo ] And sister— 
Villafranca. Permit him, noble senor — 
Cappadoge. Spare my brother— 

Villafranca. Oh pardon him his life— 
Cappadoge. Or shoot both of us. 

\the two cry hysterically and Campo is moved.} 
Campo. You women, women, powerless am I 

To pardon Ferrer howsoever I cared to. 
The royal Spanish princes wish his death — 
The Inquisition law has sentenced him — 
Alphonso and Manuel vow my death 
If I the royal pardon dare invoke. 
Believe me, I an agent only am 
To Spanish Law and I must do my duty. 
Bid him adieu. The blood of Spanish pride 
Will not cease boiling for the life of Ferrer 
Whom it has analyzed and found a traitor 
To public law and morals and of court. 
Cappadoge [to Ferrer] My brother — oh my bi other — oh they 

[want 
72 



To shed your blood, we plead in vain for pardon. 
Campo. This we'll allow access to relative 

Before the execution. 
ViLLAFRANCA. Ferrcr tell rr e 

Now that redress from Campo futile is — 
Now that the ways of parting have been reached — 
Why you with rioters and strikers have 
Drank the communion cup — I wont discuss 
Indifference and disregard describe 
Thy intimacy with me. — our divorce — 
In which ungenial found we one another. 
Here break for speech.— It is, I will confess 
The truth that, in those papers of divorce 
El Vasa you my corespondent called 
An amiable verity and I 
Should as my due it were, neutrality 
Of feeling toward you show. But I'll forego it.— 
Thy wife was I, the mother too of those 
That called you father— give approval now 
And sanction to the man, whom you expressed 
An intermediary to us two here.— No ? 
You wont reply ? — 
Cappadoge. Dead and stretched out and mur- 

They will my brother— thee— oh God— oh [dered 
Ferrer. Hush !— 

Let me, that cant be comforted, comfort you. 
No Indian oceans raise. A natural death 
An old Moriscan prophecied, denied 
The Almighty would He me. Why then concerned ? 
We all must die sometimes, sooner or later 
Not death afeared of Ferrer was, nor now. 
We all, as soon as in this world we come 
Condemned to death are, natural or artificial. 
At that Moriscan sneered I. But correct 
Her mathematics.— Villafranca— listen.— 
I shall not speak to you in public place 
Of my opinion and decisions regards you. 
My council Galccran a copy has 
Of my decisions in the matter of you, 
There find you will, congenial to your likes 
And to your dislikes, all domestic troubles 
That I and you passed throug— settled and compro- 
Galceran. Ferrer—how seem you ? The sweaty bead [mised. 

[chokes up 
73 



El Vasa. 



Ferrer. 



To dumbness language. 

Ferrer. Ah Galceran, amiss 

I feel about you that I should have caused 
So much of travail so much for so little. 
Remember me to mine. I quail not to 
Approach my God. the great Creator, for 
I have not slain, since slain am I, I have 
Much store for a defence prolific, when 
Admitted to the Lord's bar I'll be. — Take cpjre 
What I consigned to you. — El Vasa — 

Rather 
Were I unnoticed left. I was a donor to 
Your marital complication, and committed 
Sin, in the Sabine way. 

Consider not. 
I trace no more my home distractions to you 
Than water to the desert — victims — victims — 
We are to circumstances, it the anarchist 
That tyrannizes freely. I forgive you. 
Whatever could not helped be. Oft the faults 
Of others, in ourselves reside. 

El Vasa. Deem me 

Sincerest losers, all my life will I 
Thy re-befriending with me, cherish — my 
Unfortunate friend I Profoundly I deplore 
The needless aggravation, I gave fruit to 
Dismissing you from school, an organ of 
The plot to kill you, when the fifth degree 
Enmasoned was — all for 1 blinded was 
By Villafranca's dazzling beauty. 

Ferrer. Candid ! 

You may a better husband prove than I 
A husband was. Second edition show 
Improvement style. If she believed I stood 
Between herself and happmess, she can 
That view repeal now. Perhaps her happiness 
Retarded was by me. The laws of Portugal 
Do during life not grant divorce, but only 
At death ordain — her duty now hath vantage, 
Take her to you and marry her, a widow 
Support her who, when dead I'll be ? This will 



74 



Heavier than earth upon me weigh, when I 
Lie down to rise not. Her husband be and be 
A father to her children. 

El Vasa. Promised ! 

Out of this gratitude and this provision 

My words melt into tears, and speech dissolved. 

The woman that I covetted to be 

A gift to me. Let them first shoot me down 

I care no more. Earned have I distrust 

Too much upon the scale to merit least 

Your approbation of me. Surely soap-suds 

And their thin tenure not the mantle is 

For charity to cloak my infamy. [retires 

Ferrer. Take charge of all the Escuela Moderna 

Develop, supervise, conduct and branch them. 

Assassinate and murder for the truth ! 

You see how much against the truth, El Vasa 

Assassination and the murder work. 

I dare no longer. I'm obliged. I am 

Enroute for other universes where again 

Equality I'll fight for. — Weep not so 

Your tears can never melt their leaden bullets. 

It is my destiny that I be murdered 

In the name of Law — my death will be avenged ! 

Now, now, no babies be, you make me ill. 

The Governor-general beckons, I obey. 

Hist Galceran — To Senor Lopez telegraph — 

Campo. The relatives withdraw ! Conduct them soldiers 

Away from executiun. [ The soldiers lead out all of 
Ferrer s relatives except Galceran, who clings 
to him and with whom he weeps alternately 7\ 
Soldiers — take 
Position on the left. \reads'\ "The People of 
The Spanish Kingdom, through the Governor-general 
Greeting !-Whereas by law, court-martialed, and 
Convicted one, a citizen, Francisco 
Ferrer, by name, a teacher and professor 
Has been by martial process, and whereas — " 

Ferrer, The phraseology blue pencil craves. 
Green grass on that grows. 

Campo. "The said and the aforesaid, found has been 
A revolutionist, abetting in 
Governmental riot, ami peace npheavals, 

75 



Ferrer. 
Campo. 



Ferrer. 



El Vasa. 



Campo. 

El Vasa. 

Campo. 

Chaplain 

Ferrer. 



Leader of strikers, boycotters, blacklisters 
Scabs, wreckers, Farleyites, and anti-clerics 
At Masnou and Praemia, verified towns. 
The said and the aforesaid, founded has 
The Escuela Moderna, where to the young 
He and colleagues of his taught anarchy 
Consequent schooling void of discipline,- — 
The principles of governmental treason, 
Hatred for Law, for government and love" 
Love also ? An errata surely ! 

"And 
In the name of God, Kingdom of Spain and King 
The prisoner must forfeit privilege 
Incumbent on him, which transgress he did — 
To live, he failing to confess in torment. 
Treason evinced both property and life." 
Some philanthropy in that. My life is that 
What property I have. My God is your God. 
None of attainder runs within my blood. 
Your God decreed no blood be shed, but yet 
Against your God, my blood to shed, you purpose ? 
If your's a Janus-God ? mine is a No-God ! 
Two Gods for one is one God not for two 
The Spanish church no blood will shed — but shed 
The blood of Ferrer — that she's bent upon. 
For yonder chaplain argues the endorsement. 
Nothing so humbles me, nothing molests me 
I am at perfect peace but only this 
Reduces me to childhood and distress: - 
The warrant reads "I taught that love be hafeed." 
Campo, upon my knees, I beg of you 
Grant him this favor ere he dies. — erase 
The words "he taught that love be hated." 

Done. 

Has not Ferrer been at a difference with you ? 

His going hence again has reconciled us. 

Significant the compromise and proper. 

, The absolution and the litany 

Await thee Ferrer. 

Seek another climate. 

Exhort thine own soul, exorcise thy Self 

I need no absolution, I dont need 

Any litanies. If fatalism or 

Determinism, natural principles 

Have so ordained that I am to be murdered 

Then litanies or chaplains cant subtend it. 

76 



Nunez. 
Campo. 

Ferrer. 



Campo. 



Ferrer, 



Campo. 
Ferrer. 

Campo. 



Saving the soul will not the body save, 
Saving the body that the soul will save, 
Instead — I'll tell thee what — of soothing souls 
Obtain a pellet that when gulped should dull 
The sting of the bullet. Step beyond you creed 
And study sociologic problems — study 
How to curb sickness, poverty, supplant 
Me, in my plight, send money to the treasurer 
Of the Escuela Moderna, I dont need 
A priest to minister to me, — I am 
Already priestly looking enough, since I have been 
'Neath sunlight and 'neath searchlight — much obliged. 
Even to the very grave— philosopher ! [priest exit 

Soldiers stand parallel. The signal given 
Fire at Ferrer. 
{to a soldier who blindfolds hitn ] Will this blindfolding 
A darkness, to another darkness be 
The overture ? Senor I avow I am 
Content my hands be tied, but I abjure you 
This privilege accord me, — 'tis a wish 
With me, that standing I should meet my death 
Standing in battle would I fall against 
The social forces — not upon my knees 
The cowering craven, not the frightened stoaway, — 
Not begging to be killed, my one petition. 
Accet-d him soldier this. Against the moat 
Cf St. Eulalie place him, standing straight ! 
Before the signal do we halt. Hast thou 

Aught yet that must expression have ? 

One yet — 
Report, ere executed Ferrer cried 
In the face of the rifle, with death by the elbow: "Long 
May live the truth, fraternity and liberty- 
Equality, suffrage, justice, — sociahsm — 

Of the Escuela Moder — 

Soldiers, — fire ! 
[ They shoot and Ferrer reels but dont fallal 
Sach cesspool whirls — caissons press me--oh 
A gagging — jamming — ha ! support me someone — 
An avalanche entunnels me — the shot 

Was true that missed the— Escuela [falls.] 

Veer left and march from St. Eulalie. \_Exeunt with 

[soldiers, 
77 



[Rg-enter Villafranca, Cappadoge, Galccran, El Vasa.'\ 
GalCEran. Sight unenduring ! 
Cappadoge. See— see— 

ViLLAFRANCA. Executed! 

The Himalays upon me topple ! — God 

Of mercy — God-o'-merciful ! 
Cappvdoge. Oh my dead brother oh my brother dead ! 
Galceran. a victim of the law of— Cannibalism ! 
Cappadoge They shot my brother— oh they killed my brother ! 
El VaSA. Enactment of a bestial trag:edy ! 
Cappadoge. Oh speak to me your sister speak to me. 
ViLLAFRANCA. See See he moves— is breathing— living yet. 
Galceran." Blindness were here a virtue — scene endarkening ! 

]^Enter Dr. Cisner and mim'siets to Ferrer.'] 
ViLLAFRANCA. One medicine and the true chlorofojm 

The sleep that knows no wakening ! 
ClSNER. His near 

And kin best draw to him at once. 
ViLLAFRANCA. \Jo Cappadoge,'] Unbandage him. 

Cisner. The remedy that help him can's not classed, 

Unfortunate. Gulp this tablet. 
Ferrer. Who attacked me ? 

El Vasa—Villafranca— Cappadoge — 

Control the hemorrhage— it stiffles me — 

Is that you Villatranca ? Easy— easy — 

A brainstorm blowing in my temple is. 

S^Ferrer is carried to the front of the stage 
and depouted carefully ] 

Where do ye bear me ? Whrn departs the steamer ? 

Is that there a carnation ? Where's my granimer.^ 
\_Enter Nunez 7\ 

A visitor and guest — excuse my state. 
Nunez. As Mason do I call. — What services, 

The coointj dove envy disfranchising, — 

My brother by disaster's hand struck down, 

Still brotherly may I to Ferrer offer. 
Ferrer. An accident brother Nunez. Oh forgive 

My misacts. my imprudence when I told 

Undoing all the good by one bad fault. — 

Masonic secrets others. Overlook me. 

I have too heinously the masons grieved. 

What blood is rushing from my open wounds ! 

Searching the perptrator of the crime ! 

The governor general and King Alphonso 

They gave the fatal order. Do for me } 
78 



Skdp my transgression you'll do well. — Survey me — 
Resemble I to law a Judas ? 

Nunez. Drink this 

Small benedictine, it will cheer you. Masons — 
Considering death atonement for all sins — 
We still remain. The brethren, they will give 
The allowance to your wife, and decent burial. 

Ferrer. You hear this Villafranca ? 

ViLLAFRANCA. Noticed little. 

Ferrer. My Villafranca hither come. 

Villafranca. Here then. 

Ferrer. Instead of the allowance from the lodge 
This proposition have I entered. Let 
Nunez the money in the Escuela 
Moderna invest. Doctor El Vasa has 
My sentiment, desire and my wish 
That he my place supplant and marry thee, 
So, in that way the money go to you. 

Villafranca. Me, marry, — Ferrer — 

Ferrer. Yes, before I die 

Gire me thy word, that you will marry the 
Director of the University. 

Villafranca. Consideration, child — reflection. From 
Delirium these thoughts. 

Ferrer. After's too late. 

No wandering in mind this, — well bethought, 
Thv consideration may my death postcede. 
Provision is an instinct of the human 
Only the beast in that deficit shows. 
Compurge itself may Spain of this errata. 
The traitor Ferrer, whom they so design 
Commits a treason in his dying hour, 
His marital rival he legates his wife 
That should the knife engage. Yes, Villafranca 
Accept him — take his hand. Circumstance 
Have framed him strict and stern, I have found 
The interior of him indefeasiable. 

[ Villafranca takes the k^nd ef El Vasa.] 
Villafranca. Through death to love ! 

El Vasa. My love for yow till death. 

Ferrer. The evening of my life is drawing close. 

Bury me by Tibi and o'er my grave inscribe — 

79 



Here lies Francesco Ferrer school teacher — 
One lesson left he for memorial 
A system how to live and what to die for." 
El Vasa. Respected shall, as far as powers ours 

Traffic and the surveillance here, inscribed 
Be, as thou wishest and commandest. 
Ferrer. Then 

I die oontent, — content under the idea 
That posthumous fame, if ever it come to me 
jCome by this wise: that the chance traveller 
At Ferrer's tombbtone, read the epitaph 
Of the cspitalistic system. If by bullets 
The powers that be presume a halt to put 
To progress socialistic, train in cowardice 
The social law, — hero to the sinews — 
I ask you socialists and anarchists 
Reverse their methods, use no bullets, teach 
The children socialism — that will kill them. 
Oh God, the pains that travel through me, argue 
They, as the first and last of my interrers, 
Themselves a grave have dug in that of Ferrer's 
Galceran. The law, in her career of righting wrongs 

Has wronged a right, — this toll she takes is fatal, 
When yours it did assess. Ah ! how do I 
Before you seem that pleaded and defended 
Only to lose and witness here the murder. 
I cannot lay my head upon a pillow. 
Ferrer. Galceran, feel no regret, you did the maxima 

That could be done to save me .—What's beyond ? 
[6"/. Eulalia moat and wall-gates are thrown open 
by the guard and reveals the City of Lisbon. 
Sunset and Sound of Marchers, Echoes of 
a Band playing the * Marseillaise" approach- 
ing and diss away. Cheers of '*Fefrer" 
*' Ferrer" heard.'] 
Nunez, my vision fails me, what is yonder? 
Nunez. Glorious thy dying hour — not for naught 
The labors of thy life ! The fathers of 
The children whom you taught the theories 
Of socialism, — are parading, 'Tis 
The socialist election lor the Cortes. 



80 



Ferrer. Themselves ! I hear their cheering— yes ! Familiar 
When yet a lad was I, a child, along 
Their socialist marches, with them ambled, now 
Howso I would be following, must remain. 
Projected hopes that inspiration give us 
Executive miss even with the stroke of the clock. 
To march with socialists I loved, I joyed 
To cheer the Socialist Labor Party speakers. — 
Cheer on, I hear you comrades — Labor's voice 
Has for refram the heavens above and earth 
Below and underneath — that voice rings true ! 
Oh how I yearn that I could march and cheer 
But I am dying comrades I am^done for. — 
Unmindful of the tragedy enacted 
Herein at Montjuich, their spirit carries all 
What's worth a-striving for and overlooks 
Nor blame I them, an mcident, like murder. 
Workmen ! Marx' slogan was "Unite," and Ferrer's 
"Teach children socialism" keep the pledge ! 
Fast, fast life's fluid ebbs — ha ! — realized — 
My dream of socialism — realized — 
Through the half-haze of misty sight I spy 
Materialization of the Age's Hope — 
The socialists carmine ensign — arm and hammer — 
Realized — realized — [dus. 

Nunez. His thread has snapped 

And cracked 's the bowl. Ferrer entered has 
The metaphysical. 

Galceran. Zorilla's arrived. 

[^EnUr Zorilla and socialists.'] 

ZORILLA, Gladsome the news comrades ! The bolted door 
Itself unhinges,— festivals are scheduled. 
Why how's this ! why weeping ? what occurred ? 
Withoki not — break the tragic news — 

Villafranca. Oh hour 

Not on the dial ciphered,- -look, who lies 
Dead as the clay about. Thy effort friend 
For his recovery remains a memo. 
Short falls the helper's tool, his trade is singed. 

Nunez. Comrades the term's lapsed- -our Ferrer has 
Advanced to his Creator. 

61 



ZORILLA. Sanctissimo ! 

El Vasa. As Theodoric his Boethius I 

Kflled for his goodnass, so will rescue now 

Kill realization. Honor him let us 

The silence of the dead, respect our honoring. 

\^hals are removed. 
ViLLAFRANCA. Even as my widowhood, my bridehood raises 

So Ferrer's body, for the footsteps of 

The social commonwealth, the sociocracy ' 

Lies here for base immortal. Ah El Vasa I 

They fathom certain death that dredge for trnth i 

I prophesied his Socialism would | 

Unto his grave convey him. Lire forever 

The Escuela Moderna will, — the keystone 

El Vasa— arching it, Ferrer. 

{^kneeling. 

My Ferrer limp ! 

Not soon again Fericr your wife you'll kiss, 

For long awhile Ferrer you'll miss your dear,— 

Not soon, nor ever kiss thy Cappadoge 

Thy Villafranca, loved you truly she; 

I, and thy sister kneel to do what you 

Had done so oft to us,— kissed us — thee kiss we. 

{they kiss Ferret 

Death has not chilled thee yet, nor us oar love 

Warmth there to make as feel ! 

El Vasa, a photographer employ 

To take his likeness. Long in life will I 

Remember him who from me torn was. 
ZORILLA. Comrad«s, his death shall be avenged, but not 

With rifle or by blood, or by assassins. 

The ways of the avenger bodes no good. 

Let tyranny assassination serve. 

Ferrer, though dead, shall show he has more powers 

Than when alive — we Ferrerites the proof. 

Straight to the task. The Spanish monarchy 

By educational means and intellectual 

The vote political must be restored, 

The sociocracy to substitute it. 

Where Ferrer stopped we start, so that each followers 

Following the program by Ferrer outlined 

Each man, each woman, and each child thereof 
62 



Provided are with life s necessities 
Food, shelter, moHey. leisure, education. 
Nunez. AMve disdaimed by Masons, dead reclaimed 
Our prayers pay the obsequies for Ferrer. 
Base were his motircs not and principle 
With him 'was ever— he'll be quiet now. 
We have not to condone, least to inveigh. 
He gave his rival her he loved, now must 
The tear become a tongue, the tongue a volumne. 
Love should be hated was not Ferrer's creed. 
Adieu, a Mason's by thee,— glory—amen ! 

[Exeunt, music playing the Marsellaies, 



THE END. 




83 



II 



JEF U 1912 



yBRARY OF CONGRESS 

015 988 941 5 % 




